Research
Research
With the rising CO2 levels, a lot of research has been going into finding ways of utilizing this industrial waste product. After being captured from the air, carbon dioxide can be catalytically converted to any number of products such as methanol and higher value alcohols.[1][2]
In order to rationally synthesize the required catalysts, the deactivating effects have to be investigated. This can be done with X-ray analysis techniques such as XRD and XAS under operando conditions. However, these experiments often require access to a synchrotron, which limits catalyst evaluation time.[3]
The goal of this project is to work with lab-based setups to allow for operando XAS/Raman/IR and operando XRD/Raman/IR measurements, targeting long-term (>3 months) catalyst assessments. This project will expand upon state of the art reactors to facilitate higher operational pressures.[4]
[1] Ashok, J. et al. Catal Today 356, 471–489 (2020).
[2] He, Y., Müller, F. H., Palkovits, R., Zeng, F. & Mebrahtu, C. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental vol. 345
[3] Meirer, F. & Weckhuysen, B. M. Nature Reviews Materials vol. 3 324–340
[4] Genz, N. S. et al. Angewandte Chemie International Edition 61, (2022).
CV
CV
2024-present:
PhD candidate at the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis group, supervised by:
prof. dr. ir. B.M. Weckhuysen and dr. M. Monai.
2022-2023:
Laboratory assistant at Utrecht University
Guiding first year chemistry students with organic chemistry practicals.
2022-2024:
MSc Nanomaterials Science at Utrecht University
MSc Thesis: “The Role of Halogen Doping in Copper-Catalyzed CO2 Electroreduction.” Performed at the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis group, supervised by:
J. de Ruiter, MSc; dr. W. van der Stam; dr. M. Monai.
Internship at the University of Antwerp: “Development of a Plasmon-Hybrid Heterojunction Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution and CO2 Reduction.” Performed at the A-PECS group, supervised by:
dr. R. Ninakanti, dr. S. Verbruggen; dr. M. Monai
2019 – 2022:
BSc Chemistry at Utrecht University
BSc Thesis: “Development of a bifunctional catalyst for the production of isostearic acid.” Performed at the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis group, supervised by:
J. Bos, MSc.; prof. dr. E.T.C. Vogt; dr. M. Monai.