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: Haoxiang Yan
Title: Optimizing Ruthenium-Based Catalysts for Selective Hydrogenolysis of Polyethylene (PE) into C6-C18 Hydrocarbons
Description: It is challenging to recycle PE due to its C-C backbone structure.[1, 2] This project aims to develop a ruthenium (Ru) based catalyst for the selective hydrogenolysis of PE into C6-C18 hydrocarbons. Ru/C catalyst has been tested on different types of PE under mild condition (200 °C, 20 bar H2). The results show that the PE were over-cracked into gaseous products instead of C6-C18hydrocarbons. To address this, Ru-based bimetallic catalysts with metals like Ti, Nb, W, and Re will be developed to improve the selectivity and suppress methane formation. By adding this metals, electronic properties, hydrogen spillover, and metal-support interactions will change and possibly improve selectivity towards C6-C18.[3] Catalyst performance will be tested on different PE using parr reactor.
[1] Tan, Y., et al., Catalytic chemical recycling and upcycling of polyolefin plastics. Giant, 2024. 19.
[2] Rorrer, J.E., G.T. Beckham, and Y. Román-Leshkov, Conversion of Polyolefin Waste to Liquid Alkanes with Ru-Based Catalysts under Mild Conditions. JACS Au, 2021. 1(1): p. 8-12.
[3] Yuan, Y., et al., Controlling Product Distribution of Polyethylene Hydrogenolysis Using Bimetallic RuM(3) (M = Fe, Co, Ni) Catalysts.Chem Bio Eng, 2024. 1(1): p. 67-75.
Supervisor: Cecilia Allueva y Álava
Title: When Products Reshape Catalysts: Adsorbate-Directed Selectivity in Pd–Cu Catalysts for CO2 Hydrogenation
Description: Pd-Cu catalysts are promising systems for CO2 hydrogenation to higher alcohols, but their activity and selectivity remain highly sensitive to pre-treatment conditions and surface restructuring[1]. Recent studies suggest that adsorbates such as CO2 and alcohols can lower the temperature required for reduction, promote the formation of surface overlayers, and influence metal-support interactions[2]. In this project, we will systematically investigate how reduction temperature and the nature of the adsorbate (CO2, methanol, ethanol) govern the surface state and performance of Pd-Cu/SiO2 catalysts.
[1] D. Li, F. Xu, X. Tang, S. Dai, T. Pu, X. Liu, P. Tian, F. Xuan, Z. Xu, I. E. Wachs, M. Zhu, “Induced activation of the commercial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst for the steam reforming of methanol” Nat Catal 2022, 5, 99–108.
[2] Y. He, J. Zhang, F. Polo-Garzon, Z. Wu, “Adsorbate-Induced Strong Metal–Support Interactions: Implications for Catalyst Design” J Phys Chem Lett 2023, 14, 524–534.
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.
Supervisor: Robin Conradi
Title: Ammonia Poisoning Effects in Co/TiO2 Catalysts in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis for Sustainable Fuels
Description: Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) using Co/TiO₂ catalysts offers a promising route to convert renewable carbon sources, such as biomass, CO₂, and waste materials, into sustainable fuels. A challenge with these alternative feedstocks is that they provide a source of ammonia (NH3), which can disrupt catalyst performance and alter product selectivity.[1] Recent studies suggests NH₃ interacts with cobalt active sites and may even embed into hydrocarbon chains.[2,3] In this project, we will explore different Co/TiO2 catalysts systems differing in their metal loading (structure sensitivity) and selectively poison them with NH3 during FTS, thereby making use of gas-phase compounds, which can be found in biomass-derived CO streams. Using operando DRIFT and Raman spectroscopy, we will probe surface reactions in real time, bridging the gap between industrial relevance and fundamental understanding.
[1] De Jong et al., “Sustainable Fuels from CO2-Rich Synthesis Gas via Fischer-Tropsch Technology” ACS Catal., 2025, 10946-10956
[2] Voeten et al., “Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis for the Production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Formation of Tertiary Amines from Ammonia Contaminants” ACS Omega, 2024, 9, 31974-31985
[3] Kizilkaya et al., “Effect of ammonia on cobalt Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalysts: A surface science approach” Catal. Sci. Technol., 2019, 9, 702-710
Supervisor: Jorrit van der Velde
Title: Uncovering the secretes of highly efficient Ni/Fe/Mo doped VPO catalysts for furfural oxidation
Description: An ancient patent filed in 1944 claimed the gas-phase oxidation of furfural with a Mo/Fe doped vanadium catalyst on a ceramic support.[1, 2] Interestingly, the procedure yields a catalyst which is significantly more active when the subsequent curing step is performed for 40 days in a vessel made of nickel. This catalyst supposedly yields 81% maleic anhydride (MA) from furfural at 270 °C after 300 days on stream, which is higher than many publications from the past decades. Over 60 years later, a similar patent was filed claiming a Fe/Ni doped vanadium phosphorous oxide (VPO) catalyst on a SiO2 support, yielding over 90% selectivity for MA, confirming the added benefit of nickel. This result is comparable with the highest yield published for MA synthesis from furfural in scientific literature, which was achieved with a VPO catalyst without support.[4]
This raises several questions; can we learn from materials made in the past to improve modern oxidation catalysts? Why does the catalyst from 1944 work so well, what is the role of the dopants, the nickel vessel, and what phases are formed with these methods? Why did it take 40 days to activate the catalyst? What structural and chemical changes occur during the curing process? With state-of-the art analytical techniques, like XRD, SEM, TPR, EDX, and Raman, we should be able to better understand the structural properties and composition of the catalysts described originally, allowing us to explain the observed activity and further improve it.
[1] Nielsen, E. R.; US2421428A, 1947.
[2] Nielsen, E. R.; US2464825A, 1949.
[3] 冷一欣, 伊春, 芮新生, CN101791563A, 2012.
[4] Li, X.; Ko, J.; Zhang, Y. ChemSusChem 2017, 11, 612–618