The aim of the research is to develop nanostructuring tools for the functionalization of photo-active semiconductor surfaces with catalytic metal or metal compound nanoparticles for photocatalytic reactions of environmental relevance. For this, we will use metal dewetting processes, i.e. the solid-state transformation of thin metal films into self-organized, defined metal nanoparticles. We will explore the manipulation of key dewetting parameters, in combination with additional self-organizing principles such as alloying, dealloying, phase-separation and site-selective functionalization, to tune particles’ morphology and composition towards efficient and selective photocatalysis. Examples of target reactions are H2 evolution, H2O2 synthesis or CO2 reduction.

The PhD student will carry out experimental work including catalyst fabrication, characterization and performance testing. The research will be carried out in the PhotoCatalytic Synthesis group (PCS group – University of Twente) under the supervision of Dr. Marco Altomare (Principal Investigator) and in collaboration with Prof. Guido Mul (PCS group Head), the partners of the research cluster “Catalysis and Process Engineering” and the MESA+ NanoLab.

• You have a Master degree in chemistry / chemical engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, or a related field.
• You have experience with semiconductors / heterogeneous catalysis, and are willing to improve your skills in depth.
• You are able to work both independently and in a team of researchers.
• You are fluent in English and able to collaborate with external parties in regular meetings and work visits.

You will be appointed on a fulltime position for four years. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment. The PhD salary is € 2.395 in the first year and increases to € 3.061 in the fourth year. The offer further involves: a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, a minimum of 29 holidays.

The PhotoCatalytic Synthesis (PCS) group at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands) offers 1 PhD position in the field of Heterogeneous (Photo)Catalysis. The PhD position is fully funded (4 years) by the German Research Foundation (DFG) in the frame of an international grant.