PhD fellow in "Stabilization of metal clusters on the zeolite supports and their assessment by in-situ electron microscopy methods"

Project summary:

Metal nanoparticles immobilized at zeolite supports are important class of heterogenous catalysts for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation, reforming, and water-gas shift reactions. Zeolites, porous elementosilicates, are used to encapsulate metal nanoparticles to improve their stability. Currently, in-situ encapsulation and post-synthesis functionalization are two main synthesis strategies for metal incorporation in zeolites. Zeolites are often prepared as 3D solids; however, some topologies have layered representatives. Direct exfoliation of zeolites into suspension of monolayers has widened the spectrum of novel zeolitic supports for functionalization, thus design of new catalysts. 

The main objective of the thesis will be:

  1. preparation of zeolites, including layered precursors;
  2. functionalization of prepared supports with metal clusters;
  3. characterization of prepared materials by advanced, in-situ electron microscopy techniques;
  4. optimizing the synthesis procedure to achieve better stability of prepared catalysts; and
  5. catalytic tests of prepared materials and investigation of metal stability under reaction conditions.

We are looking for motivated students with experience in synthesis and heterogenous catalysis.

The experience in transmission electron microscopy will be an advantage.