Catalysis and in situ spectroscopy

Applications are invited for this PhD studentship in the Hammond group at the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (School of Chemistry) at Cardiff University. The Hammond Catalysis Engineering (HCE) research group specialises in several aspects of catalysis, including (1) catalysis with inorganic materials, (2) selective oxidation and hydrocarbon functionalization processes, (3) acid catalysis, (4) advanced mechanistic studies of catalytic systems through in situ spectroscopic study and micro-kinetic analysis, and (5) the application of nanoparticulate materials in catalysis and biomedicine. Further information about our research, our facilities, our recent publications and our team, can be found on our website.

The PhD candidate will be expected to work in the area of ‘catalysis and in situ spectroscopy’, and will principally focus upon the spectroscopic study of various catalytic systems with both experimental (Raman, UV, DRIFT, XAS) and computational methodologies. Kinetic studies and material synthesis will also be undertaken.

Research environment:

The CCI is a University Research Institute of the School of Chemistry at Cardiff University. The CCI is one of the premier catalysis research institutes, and is amongst the most productive, well-funded and well-equipped catalysis departments in Europe. Catalysis facilities available within our group and the department include XPS/UPS, ISS, LEED, XRD, AFM, STM, SEM-EDX, BET, TPDRO, chemisorption, TGA, Raman, FT-IR, UV-Vis, EPR, ENDOR, 2-600 MHz (MAS)NMR, analytical services (ICP-OES, HPLC-MS, GC-MS) and high pressure reaction facilities. A number of in situ cells and apparatus are available, such as DRUV-Vis, ATR-IR, DRIFTS, Raman and in situ XRD. Dedicated catalyst synthesis laboratories, and numerous catalyst testing reactors (batch, continuous flow, gas/liquid phase) are readily available. The HCE group also has access to the Diamond Synchrotron and ISIS neutron source.
Extensive opportunities to gain experience abroad in the laboratories of our collaborators also exist, as we work closely with various international research groups both in Europe and farther afield. In addition, opportunities to work with industrial partners are also available.

Person specification/qualifications:

We are seeking an exceptionally talented and motivated student to join our young, ambitious research team. Students should hold – or should soon expect to obtain – a master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or a related subject. Successful candidates should possess excellent background knowledge in catalysis, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry and spectroscopy. The HCE group at Cardiff is a multidisciplinary team focusing on several aspects of catalysis and materials chemistry (further details on our website). Candidates with prior knowledge of (1) (in situ) spectroscopy, and (2) computational methodologies are particularly desired at this stage, to complement our existing team’s capabilities.

During PhD studies, candidates will be trained to an exceptionally high level and will subsequently be expected to (1) prepare a broad range of catalysts (homogeneous and heterogeneous), (2) perform relevant catalytic experiments in both liquid and gas phase apparatus (batch and continuous flow), and (3) characterise catalysts by a variety of spectroscopic methodologies. Opportunities to collaborate with our international partners are also available.