Available Projects for Master Students

Currently the following calls for MSc projects are open. If you are interested submit your request via the online form linked to here.  First please consult our page information for students.

Supervisor: Dr. Xianhua Zhang
Title: Operando Laboratory-based X-ray Absorption and Raman Spectroscopy to study the structure evolution of catalysts in CO2 hydrogenation
Description: The limited availability of synchrotron facilities restricts chemists and materials scientists from accessing X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Laboratory-based XAS provides synchrotron-quality spectra and greater flexibility, allowing for long-duration operando experiments.[1-2] Integrating complementary techniques with XAS provides a more comprehensive understanding of catalyst materials.[3] This project focuses on integrating XAS and Raman spectroscopy for simultaneous operando characterization of the structure evolution of catalysts and online product analysis, enabling advanced catalyst material insights under realistic working conditions.

[1] Genz, N. S. et al., Angew Chem Int Ed 2022, 61, e202209334.
[2] Genz, N. S. et al., Chemistry–Methods 2023, 4, e202300027.
[3] Iglesias-Juez et al., Journal of Catalysis 2010, 276, 268-279.

 

Supervisor: Dr. Bing Bai
Title: Operando Spectroscopy to study the structure evolution of catalysts in CO2 hydrogenation low-temperature methanation using Ni-based catalysts
Description: The development of highly efficient catalysts with excellent low-temperature catalytic activity is of great significance to improving the economic feasibility of CO2 hydrogenation to CH4 technology and promoting its large-scale application. [1] This project is committed to controllable design, constructing a series of Ni-based catalysts with adjustable structures, and systematically studying the effects of support type, additive addition, and interface structure on catalytic performance. [2, 3] Based on the preparation, operando spectroscopy technology is used to conduct real-time characterization of the CO2 low-temperature methanation process, deeply revealing the structure-activity relationship between the catalyst structure, composition and its catalytic performance, and exploring the reaction mechanism and deactivation mechanism. The ultimate goal is to develop Ni-based catalysts with high activity, high selectivity and good stability under low-temperature conditions through precise control of the catalyst active sites and reaction pathways, providing key materials and technical support for the resource utilization of CO2.

[1] Vogt, E. T. C., B. M. Weckhuysen, Nature 2024, 629(8011): 295-306.
[2] Monai, M., et al., Science 2023, 380(6645): 644-651.
[3] Vogt, C., et al, Nature Catalysis 2018, 1(2): 127-134.

 

(Starting from 3rd period/Feb 2026)
Supervisor: Jan den Hollander
Title: Dry Methane Reforming over Rh and Pt Washcoated Monoliths
Description: Widely used in automotive catalysis, monoliths are now attracting interest for alternative reactions because of their low pressure drop and modular design. A promising process is Dry Methane Reforming (DMR), which converts CH₄ and CO₂ into syngas at 600–900 °C.[1] A key challenge in this reaction is severe carbon deposition, which necessitates oxidative regeneration but may damage the washcoat of the monolith.

In this project we will compare Rh- and Pt-based washcoated monoliths for DMR, quantifying CH₄ and CO₂ conversion, H₂/CO ratio and carbon deposition. Different regeneration protocols (temperature, O₂ content) will be applied to study coke removal efficiency and durability. Washcoat integrity will be assessed via SEM cross-sections, whereas surface carbon species will be analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM). The aim is to establish how catalyst composition and regeneration conditions affect both coke deposition and structural washcoat stability of monolithic reforming catalysts

[1] Tsuchida, R., et al., Dry Reforming of Methane on Low‐Loading Rh Catalysts. ChemCatChem 17, (2025).