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: Vaishnavi Ganesh
Title: Operando Raman Spectroscopy of the Deactivation Process of Aniline Synthesis Catalysts under Industrial Relevant Reaction Conditions
Description: Aniline synthesis is a key step in the production chain of isocyanate precursors that are used in the manufacture of polyurethanes, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals.[1] Copper-silica catalysts are generally used in aniline synthesis. For aniline synthesis via gas-phase nitrobenzene (NB) hydrogenation, catalyst deactivation is attributed to coke formation, metal sintering, metal migration or a combination of these factors.[2] We probe the structure–composition–performance relationship of copper-based catalysts through several cycles of reaction and regeneration – at 300 °C – using operando Raman spectroscopy with online gas infrared (IR).
The focus will be on process optimisation (e.g., reaction and regeneration temperature/duration, NB: H2 ratios), and tuning catalyst properties using operando characterization to monitor coke formation and burn-off through several cycles of reaction and regeneration. Structural changes in the catalyst, particularly the active metal species, will be monitored using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) by analysing samples retrieved at different reaction stages or cycles (ex-situ). By integrating these techniques, the project aims to develop more robust catalysts with extended operational lifetimes and increased process efficiency.
[1] Tafesh, A. M.; Weiguny, J. Chem. Rev. 1996, 96 (6), 2035–2052.
[2] Petrov, L.; Kumbilieva, K. Appl. Catal. 1990, 59 (1), 31–43.
(Starting from 3rd period/Feb 2026)
Supervisor: Haoxiang Yan
Title: Morphology-Controlled Ru/CeO2 Catalysts for Selective Polyethylene Hydrogenolysis to Liquid Alkanes
Description: Plastic pollution threatens ecosystems due to increasing plastic use and environment leakage. Polyethylene (PE) is among the most widely used plastics, with only 12% recycled.[1] We are now developing catalyst systems for selective PE hydrogenolysis to C6-C18 hydrocarbons. Ru-based catalyst exhibits better reactivity and selectivity at lower temperatures in PE hydrogenolysis compared to many other catalysts.[2] Ru/CeO2 had shown better liquid selectivity for hydrogenolysis of PE in previous work, due to hydrogen spillover effects and metal-support interaction (MSI).[3] However, Ru/CeO2 can be further optimized to suppress methane production. Different morphology of CeO2 will have different interaction with Ru nanoparticles due to different exposed facets, which leads to different Ru dispersion.[4] It can also moderate H spillover via oxygen-vacancy density, which improves liquid products selectivity.
In this work, different types of CeO2, including nanosheets, nano-octahedra, nanorods, and nanocubes will be first synthesized using hydrothermal method with Ce(NO3)3 and NaOH. Then, they will be used to synthesize Ru/CeO2 using wetness impregnation method. The synthesized catalysts will be tested with model PE (Mw ~4000), and the best among them will be tested with different types of PE at last.
[1] L. D. Ellis et al., “Chemical and biological catalysis for plastics recycling and upcycling,” Nat. Catal., vol. 4, no. 7, pp. 539–556, Jul. 2021, doi: 10.1038/s41929-021-00648-4.
[2] R. J. Conk et al., “Polyolefin waste to light olefins with ethylene and base-metal heterogeneous catalysts,” Science, vol. 385, no. 6715, pp. 1322–1327, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.1126/science.adq7316.