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.
(Starting from 1st period/September 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.
Supervisor: Dr. Jörg Fischer
Title: Operando Regeneration of Zeolite Catalyst Regeneration Following the Methanol-to-Hydrocarbons Process
Description: The transition toward sustainable chemistry requires the defossilization of the chemical industry. In addition to biomass valorization and plastic waste pyrolysis, the utilization of CO2 for methanol production is an attractive pathway for the use of renewable carbon feedstocks.[1] The methanol produced can subsequently be transformed into essential chemical building blocks such as propylene, ethylene, and aromatics.[2]
The formation of carbon deposits (coke) during these processes, however, leads to rapid catalyst deactivation, requiring frequent regeneration.
This project will focus on the use of operando characterization techniques, such as UV–Vis and Raman spectroscopy, to monitor coke formation and burn-off over multiple reaction and regeneration cycles. Furthermore, the catalyst will be modified with metal ions to investigate their influence on coke combustion during regeneration. Different regeneration gas compositions will also be evaluated to assess their effect on catalyst performance and stability. Structural changes in the catalyst will be investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption (NH3-TPD). By integrating these techniques, the project aims to develop more robust catalysts with extended operational lifetimes and improved process efficiency.
[1] Vogt, E.T.C., Weckhuysen, B.M. The refinery of the future. Nature 629, 295–306 (2024).
[2] Yarulina, I., Chowdhury, A.D., Meirer, F. et al. Recent trends and fundamental insights in the methanol-to-hydrocarbons process. Nat. Catal. 1, 398–411 (2018)
Supervisor: Dr. Jörg Fischer
Title: Speciation of Metal Ions in Zeolites and Their Correlation with EPR Spectra
Description: The assignment of spectroscopic fingerprints to the actual structure and location of metal ions, such as Cu and Fe, remains a challenging yet crucial task for understanding catalysts under operating conditions. Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique for monitoring redox processes in catalysts, for example, during the abatement of NOx emissions.[1] However, correlating EPR spectra with specific metal sites in zeolites is often difficult due to the complexity of the materials.
In this project, we aim to investigate the EPR spectra of different Fe species by systematically controlling their speciation within zeolite frameworks. By combining tailored synthesis strategies with advanced spectroscopic characterization, we seek to establish clear relationships between EPR signatures and the corresponding Fe species and locations in the zeolite structure.[2] This knowledge will contribute to a deeper understanding of structure–activity relationships in heterogeneous catalysts.
[1] Buttignol, F., Fischer, J.W.A., Clark, A.H. et al. Nat Catal 7, 1305–1315 (2024).
[2] J. W. A. Fischer, D. C.Cano-Blanco, H.Karas, et al. ChemCatChem18, no. 4 (2026): e01575.