Photocatalytic CO2 reduction with well-defined nanostructures

Thematic:

Photocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO₂) reduction is a promising strategy to solve the energy crisis and to take a step towards a circular economy. The production of solar fuels is triggered through the absorption of light, the charge separation and their transfer to reduce CO₂. With this PhD we target to develop methods for the light-driven CO₂ reduction by implementing well-defined nanostructures with the major target of producing alcohols and hydrocarbons. Deep understanding of the fundamental processes of CO₂ reduction reaction mechanism are key to tune the product selectivity. Photocatalytic CO₂ reduction reactions are multi-electron transfer reactions. Hence, one important step towards the production of highly reduced C-based products is to tune the binding energy of intermediates to foster multiple electron transfers. This dynamically influences the rate of surface catalytic reactions and ultimately the product selectivity.

Overall, the main focus of this PhD position will be the identification of structure-activity relationships of novel catalysts for the photo(electro)chemical CO₂ reduction, aiming to the highly selective production of high added-value C-based molecules from CO₂ through a deeper comprehension of the related photo(electro)catalytic phenomena and process optimization.

Strong collaboration with fellow PhD students of the same institute and PhD program is foreseen. 

Istituto italiano di tecnologia - IIT - gives graduate students the opportunity to earn a doctoral degree by making good use of its state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities. All our supervisors have an international standing, interdisciplinarity is the rule and the environment is international; in short, if you want a challenging, but rewarding start for a career in research, we are here for you. IIT is not a degree-awarding body though. This position is part of the National PhD Programme in Materials, Sustainable Processes and Systems for the Energy Transition has been activated for the XXXVIII cycle with administrative headquarters at the Politecnico di Torino.

Research will be carried out at IIT Genoa.

Deadline: August, 31^st 2022  

Requirements:

• Chemistry, physics, natural sciences, engineering or similar qualification
• Experience with photocatalysis, photoelectrochemistry, nanochemistry or spectroscopy would be a plus
• Interest in learning new topics
• Collaborative working attitude
• Interdisciplinary research approach
• Ability to work in an international research environment

In order to access the competition, candidates must earn their Master’s Degree by 31st October 2022.

Please check the details on http://dottorato.polito.it/en/energy_transition

To apply click here: https://apply.polito.it/en/

For questions and doubts: https://didattica.polito.it/segreteria/contatta/it/Dottorato_perfezion_specializz.html

Contact: Iulia Manolache, [Email Address Removed]