Johnson Matthey is a leading FT 100 speciality chemicals company and a global leader in advanced materials in diverse areas from catalysis and Li-ion batteries to pharmaceuticals and advanced packaging. As part of an on-going research collaboration with Johnson Matthey, Glasgow based researchers are using neutron scattering experiments to investigate issues connected with hydrocarbon transformations over zeolite catalysts. That work is concentrated around the three following techniques: inelastic neutron scattering (INS), quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) and molecular dynamics (MD) calculations. The combination of applying neutron techniques alongside conventional heterogeneous catalysis investigations has provided new mechanistic insight on aspects of (i) methanol-to-hydrocarbon and (ii) gasoline-to-olefins reactions [1-3]. In particular, the combined approach is providing unique insight on the critical matter of catalyst deactivation. This new project will build on the existing industrial/academic collaboration to take the learning gained from the recent studies and apply this novel experimental approach to examine further contemporary issues in zeolite/hydrocarbon catalysis.
The project will look at deactivation of zeolite catalysts utilised in a range of hydrocarbon transformations, e.g. (i) the methanol-to-olefin reaction and (ii) the up-grading of olefin production at fluidised catalytic cracking (FCC) operations. Initial work will make use of a catalyst test facility located at the University of Glasgow that will be used to characterise industrial grade zeolites under regimes of steady-state operation and deactivation. Subsequent neutron studies will use INS to define the nature and form of reagents/products retained within the zeolite pore network. QENS will provide information on the diffusion characteristics of reagents/products, as well as suitably selected probe molecules. The QENS outcomes will be compared against MD based simulations to better understand the dynamics of substrate/adsorbate interactions that, ultimately, dictate selectivity profiles and catalyst lifetime. Moreover, the suitability of recent advances in neutron imaging techniques to evaluate catalyst deactivation/regeneration strategies will also be explored.
The student will be based at the University of Glasgow and be located within the School of Chemistry’s Surface Chemistry and Heterogeneous Catalysis Research Group. The neutron-based experiments will be performed at the STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Facility [4] that is located at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, with the experiments managed by Professor Stewart Parker (ISIS Facility Senior Scientist). Professor David Lennon is the project Principal Investigator, who will coordinate all aspects of the project. The student will be expected to spend blocks of time (2-3 weeks per annum) at the industrial research laboratories, where there will be the opportunity to perform measurements on modern analytical equipment not available at the academic centre. Collectively, the project will provide the student with experience in the development of physical chemistry methods applied to novel and innovative issues in surface chemistry, with a particular emphasis on applied molecular spectroscopy.
References: [1] A.P. Hawkins et al., RSC Advances, 10 (2020) 23136; [2] A.P. Hawkins et al., Catalysis Science and Technology, DOI: 10.1039/D1CY00048A; [3] A. Zachariou et al., ChemCatChem, DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202100286; [4] http://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk/
Eligibility: The project is ideally suited to high-calibre graduates in Chemistry, Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry and/or Chemical Physics. `
Enquiries to:
Professor David Lennon, School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK. (Email: [Email Address Removed]; Tel: +44-(0)-141-330-4372).
How to Apply: Please refer to the following website for details on how to apply:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/.
It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.
We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equality.
As an Athena SWAN Bronze Award holder, the School of Chemistry has equality, diversity and inclusion at its heart, and actively supports applications from all sections of society.
More details of the School’s Athena SWAN activities can be found here:
https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/chemistry/abouttheschool/athenaswan/
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