PhD Studentship in Operando Study of Catalytic Systems with Synchrotron X-Rays

Duration of Studentship: 4 years

Start date: 1 October 2025

Vacancy information

The UCL Chemical Engineering Department is offering a fully funded studentship to a highly motivated candidate to start in 01/10/2025 or any time afterwards. The PhD studentship is for 4 years. The student is expected to perform operando X-ray spectroscopy in catalytic systems for NH3 synthesis and CO2 hydrogenations.

Studentship description

This research aims to probe the key intermediates during the N2 hydrogenation to NH3 and CO2 hydrogenation to hydrocarbons, such as the formation of the metal-N/C bond, the weakening of N=N and C=O bonds. The key performance indicators, such as the d band structure of the metals, the oxygen/nitrogen vacancies and the metal-O bond energy will also be studied under reaction condition. The techniques applies are X-ray absorption/emission spectroscopy and resonate inelastic X-ray scattering at multiple time and length scale. A combination of those three techniques will help elucidate the active site of the catalysts in hydrogenation reactions and help developed more efficient catalysts in these two reactions.

Person specification

The student should have good understanding in inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials, and is good at programming. Previous experience in XRD or XPS measurements is desired.

Eligibility

The applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a first or upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in the subjects Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials or Physics.

How to apply

The post is fully funded (stipend and UK fees) for 4 years. 

Overseas students may apply, provided they can independently cover the difference between UK and overseas tuition fees.

Applications should be submitted through: https://evision.ucl.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RRDCENSING01&code2=0039

Please nominate Prof. Ryan Wang as supervisor and include a statement of interest.

For informal enquiries please contact Prof. Ryan Wang at ryan.wang@ucl.ac.uk

For further information on the MPhil/PhD course as well as the recruitment and selection process, please click on the link below:

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