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.