A holy grail in the field of catalysis is to obtain exact insight in the reaction mechanism such that we can design more effective catalysts. This is more important than ever as we need to transfer to sustainable energy, and produce useful chemical and materials from a sustainable feed stock. Exact insight in the reaction mechanism will enable this revolution in chemistry.

So far, heterogeneous catalysis can only be followed on time scales that are too slow to detect the actual conversion of reactants: the bond breaking and forming and the intermediate species. The limitation is the speed by which a reaction can be turned on (for example via a rise in temperature or via addition of reactants). In this project you will use a method to generate heat extremely fast namely at the picosecond time scale by the use of femtosecond pulses of light. You will show that you can use this method, in an adapted pump-probe spectroscopy scheme, to gather spectra on the picosecond to microsecond time scale after kickstarting the reaction. You will benchmark the method with a test reaction (hydrogenation by supported Platinum). Specifically, you will gather ultrafast mid-infrared and X-ray absorption spectra, as they provide the most information on the intermediate chemical species. The goal is to actually 'see' the bondbreaking, the bond forming and the subsequent formation of different intermediate species.

The candidate must hold a MSc. degree in Chemistry or Physics or equivalent. The candidate must have a keen interest in bridging physics and chemistry. The candidate must have a keen interest in moving the edge of knowledge via achieving a new measurement paradigm, as well as a keen interest in the interpretation of complex, experimental data.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Monique van der Veen, phone: +31 15-2786458, e-mail: m.a.vanderveen@tudelft.nl. To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV and a BSc and MSc grade list along with a letter of application detailing your motivation by 7 July 2018 to Ms. C. Monna, e-mail: c.monna@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number TNWCE18-037.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

The Department of Chemical Engineering promotes the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge in chemical engineering, with a focus on materials for energy and health applications. We aspire to improve the quality of life in a sustainable society through discovery and innovation, the quality of life of our graduates through inspiration and teaching, and the quality of life of our peers through collaboration and exchange. With a proud heritage in chemical engineering, the department seeks to break new ground in areas where molecular understanding and engineering design meet. 

The PhD student will work under the guidance of Monique A. van der Veen. The van der Veen group focusses the development of nanoporous materials for catalysis and electronics. An important component of research in the van der Veen group is the use of advanced optical spectroscopy to gain new insight in the structure and dynamics during functioning of the material in the targeted application.

For more information: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences/about-faculty/departments/chemial-engineering/scientific-staff/van-der-veen-group/

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences