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 October 2026 or 2nd period)
Supervisor: Bonny Kuipers (FCC) and Jorrit van der Velde
Title: The influence of scale inhibitors on scale crystallization
Description: Scale formation in cleaning applications has been a problem detergent and equipment manufacturers have struggled with for a long time. Inorganic scale, generally CaCO3, decreases the cleaning performance of detergents and damages cleaning equipment. For a long time, companies have added harmful or bio accumulative chemicals to formulations.1 These chemicals can inhibit scale by complexation with cations, exchange with other cations such as sodium, or through dispersion. The latter effect is generally believed to be the result of a static barrier caused by anionic polymers attaching to the surface of scale particles. This prevents scale to agglomerate or deposit on a surface. Additionally, these polymers distort the crystal lattice, improving their solubility.2 This project aims to design novel bio-based and sustainable polymeric anti-scaling agents, for which the effects of scale inhibitors on scale formation and crystallization needs to be understood well. Hence, the aim for this master thesis is to improve our understanding of the formation of inorganic particles and crystals in the presence of anionic polymers and chelating agents. State-of-the-art in-situ techniques like dynamic light scattering (DLS) and polarized light microscopy (PLM) have recently been reported to provide valuable information about nucleation and crystallization of inorganic particles,3-5 and are available for this project. Additionally, ex-situ techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can also be used. Other scale types such as MgCO3, CaSO4, and calcium lauryl sulphate can also be investigated. The results of this study can be compared to traditional anti-scaling performance tests which most commonly rely on titration or pH tracking experiments.
[1] Van Hoof, G.; Fan, M.; Lievens, A. Clean. Prod. 2017, 142, 3536–3543.
[2] Rieger, J.; Hädicke, E.; Rau, I. U.; Boeckh, D. Tenside Surf. Det. 1997, 34, 430–435.
[3] Seepma, S. Y. M. H.; Ruiz-Hernandez, S. E.; Nehrke, G.; Soetaert, K.; Philipse, A. P.; Kuipers, B. W. M.; Wolthers, M. Growth Des. 2021, 21, 1576–1590.
[4] Wang, Q.; Huang, W.; Wang, J.; Long, F.; Fu, Z.; Xie, J.; Zou, Z. Colloid Interface Sci. 2024, 680, 24–35.
[5] Lages, V. P.; Gonçalves, R.; Medeiros, F.; Bisatto, R.; Rossi, A. L.; Barreto, A. G., Junior. Minerals 2025, 15, 947.
(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.
(Starting now)
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)
(Starting now)
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.
(Starting now)
Supervisor: Laura Campagnella (SCMB) and Hanya Spoelstra
Title: Preparation of 3D-ordered mesoporous graphene (OMeG) with tuneable porosity from different templating materials and its characterization with Raman Spectroscopy
Description: During the past decades porous-graphene based materials came up as one of the most promising materials for technological applications given their unique properties such as thermal stability, electrical conductivity, mechanical resistance. The porosity can be one-directional like in carbon nanotubes or multi-dimensional as it is often obtained using templating methods. In the latter case, the pore size depends on the template used (preferably 2-50 nm). A wide range of applications can be found for these materials in e.g. heterogenous catalysis, supercapacitors or batteries field. Most of these applications are related to the interconnected 3D-ordered pores, in which size and symmetry are highly relevant.
Therefore, we want to investigate the preparation of 3D-ordered mesoporous graphene (3D-OMeG) obtained through the self-assembly of sacrificial colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) into spherical supraparticles (SPs). The expertise in monodisperse nanoparticles synthesis (e.g. iron oxide Fe3O4 and organophilic silica SiO2) allows a precise control over NPs size. This precision is closely linked to OMeG porosity tunability, as the fate of used nanoparticles is typically removed through acid or basic etching.
The quality and properties of these materials will be evaluated with analysis methods like transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and they will be tested for their suitability as electrodes. Finally, the scale of synthesis is still highly limited, so scale-up of the synthesis methods will be explored.
A large part of the project, namely the colloidal particle and supraparticle synthesis, will be executed with Laura Campagnella in the Soft Condensed Matter & Biophysics group.
(Starting now)
Supervisor: Julius De Waele
Title: Core-shell metal particles for plasmon resonance assisted catalysis.
Description: Certain metal nanoparticles can absorb visible light via the so-called plasmon effect.[1] Hence, these nanoparticles can convert light into heat or high energy electrons, which can accelerate chemical reactions. Using light for catalysis could help with sustainability of chemical processes. So, in this project, you will synthesize core-shell nanoparticles consisting of a plasmon-active core optimized for light absorption and a catalytically active metal shell.[2]
You will then analyze the optical properties of these nanostructures using UV-Vis spectroscopy before depositing them onto a solid support. Finally, you will test the performance of the supported catalysts for light-assisted gas-phase reactions, specifically targeting propane dehydrogenation or dry reforming of methane to contribute to more efficient, light-driven chemical processes.[3, 4]
[1] Hou, W.; Cronin, S. B. A Review of Surface Plasmon Resonance‐Enhanced Photocatalysis. Advanced Functional Materials 2012, 23 (13), 1612–1619.
[2] Hoeven, J. v. d. Gold based Nanorods: Tuning the Structure for Catalysis and Sensing. Utrecht University, 2019.
[3] Sattler, J. J.; Beale, A. M.; Weckhuysen, B. M. Operando Raman spectroscopy study on the deactivation of Pt/Al2O3 and Pt-Sn/Al2O3 propane dehydrogenation catalysts. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2013, 15 (29), 12095–12103.
[4] Vogt, C.; Kranenborg, J.; Monai, M.; Weckhuysen, B. M. Structure Sensitivity in Steam and Dry Methane Reforming over Nickel: Activity and Carbon Formation. ACS Catalysis 2019, 10 (2), 1428–1438.
(Starting now)
Supervisor: Dr. Catarina Alves and Dr. Eline Hutter
Title: A systematic study of the mechanosynthesis of high-entropy materials for electrocatalysis
Description: High-entropy materials (HEM) are composed of five or more different elements, offering an enormous compositional variety and unique physical/chemical properties. This compositional diversity is particularly interesting for electrocatalysis, as the synergistic interaction between different elements gives rise to a variety of active sites, resulting in a superior catalytic activity when compared with single-element catalysts. This aspect highlights the importance of investigating a synthetic route of HEMs that ensures good control over the composition and stoichiometry. In this context, mechanosynthesis appear as a promising methodology to synthesize HEMs, being processed at room temperature and without harmful solvents. Nonetheless, the relationship between composition, milling conditions, and the electrocatalytic activity of mechanosynthesized HEMs remains poorly understood.
Thus, in this project, we will systematically investigate how composition and milling conditions control the structure and catalytic activity of HEMs. To that end, we propose synthesizing two classes of high-entropy materials – high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and high-entropy oxides (HEOs) by high-energy ball milling and evaluate their electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Firstly, we will prepare HEMs using non-critical raw materials that have been shown to be active for this reaction, including Ni, Fe and Cu, in equimolar and non-equimolar ratios. In this task, we seek to understand the effect of the composition and milling parameters (i.e., time, speed and temperature) on the material’s features by monitoring structural and morphological changes using in situ and/or ex situ X-ray diffraction, Raman and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Secondly, we will evaluate the electrocatalytic activity of HEMs based on their synthesis conditions, aiming for identifying promising synthesis conditions for obtaining a highly active electrocatalyst for OER. This systematic approach will provide insight into how mechanochemical processing and composition control the properties of HEMs and will stablish guidelines for synthesizing highly active OER catalysts while exploring a sustainable synthetic route.