Thank you for your interest in doing your MSc or BSc thesis project with us! This page is for BSc and MSc students at Utrecht University looking for a BSc thesis project, a MSc thesis project, an internship (also for non-UU students, see below), or a topic for a literature study.
For enquiries about PhD candidate or post-doc positions, please check the tab Applications for further information.
Research:
Our overall research goal is to gain fundamental understanding and practical solutions for key challenges in catalysis, energy conversion, environmental sustainability, and materials circularity. By combining synthesis, operando and in-situ spectroscopy, multiscale imaging, and data-driven approaches, we aim to unravel structure-function relationships in complex systems. We work on the following topics:
Operando and In Situ Spectroscopy in Catalysis Real-time characterization of catalysts under working conditions to understand structure–activity relationships. Fundamental research on selective bond activation (e.g., C-H vs C-O or C-S) in processes such as CO₂ hydrogenation, dry methane reforming, and biomass conversion.
Advancing Catalyst Performance Optimizing catalyst performance via metal-support interface engineering, and introducing novel functionalities with external stimuli (e.g., stress, light).
Multiscale Imaging and Mass Transport Analysis Studying diffusion and reaction dynamics in catalyst bodies using X-ray microscopy, super-resolution techniques, and simulations.
Nanoplastics Detection and Environmental Impact Analysis Use of advanced spectroscopic and imaging methods to detect and characterize nanoplastics in environmental and biological samples (e.g., tissue, blood).
Sustainable Photoconversion Materials Designing and characterizing non-toxic semiconductor materials for applications in solar cells and photocatalysis.
Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction Synthesis and operando characterization of colloidal metal nanoparticles for selective CO₂ conversion to value-added hydrocarbons (e.g., methane, ethylene).
Chemical Recycling of Plastic Waste Development of low-temperature, selective chemical pathways to convert plastic waste.
Mechano-catalysis and mechano-chemistry Exploring mechanical energy as a driving force for polymer depolymerization and bond cleavage reactions, or to synthesize complex materials that are not accessible via solution-based chemistry.
More details on the research performed at ICC can be found here.
MSc and BSc projects:
As Bachelor student you can join us for a BSc thesis research project (10 weeks of practical work, 15 ECTS).
MSc students can join us for an MSc research project of 37.5 – 60.0 ECTS, depending on your program.
Steps to take:
- For MSc projects please have a look at open calls for MSc thesis projects!
- For both MSc and BSc thesis projects consult our Quick guide for students
- If you want to apply for a project with us please fill in and submit this online form to express your interest – make sure to carefully read the instructions: https://forms.gle/8xdtaFmT8pqavWcU9
- After submitting the form you will be contacted by dr. Eline Hutter about your request as quickly as possible (please be patient).
Different projects are available as part of the various research topics of our PhD students and postdocs. See the personal pages of the people working in our group for a flavor of the topics that are covered in the group.
You can contact dr. Eline Hutter directly if you encounter any unforeseen problems.
Literature studies:
Looking for a topic to do your literature study? Please contact possible supervisors (PhD Candidates and Postdoctoral fellows) directly but first have a look at open calls for projects here: Available Literature Studies
External Internships:
The group is internationally recognized as leading in catalytic nanomaterials and many of our projects involve extensive collaborations with a large number of industries, such as, Shell, Albemarle Catalysts, DSM, Total, Toyota, BASF, and DOW, and with other academic groups in e.g. Europe, USA and South-Africa. In all these companies and academic institutions internships are possible. If you have a specific scientific topic in the field of catalysis in mind, we will do our best to find the right host and supervisor for you.
Any open calls for internships (external) can be found here: Internships (external)
Internships at ICC:
We regularly host exchange students from foreign countries for research projects ranging from three to twelve months, for instance as part of the Erasmus program. You can find more information about Erasmus+ at UU here.
Acceptance is dependent on capacity selection. You can find currently open calls for MSc projects that might qualify for such an internship here (note that MSc projects are 52.5 ECTS)
If you are interested in an internships at ICC please contact dr. Eline Hutter directly
Contact information
Dr. Eline Hutter
David de Wied building (Universiteitsweg 99), room 4.84
E-mail: e.m.hutter@uu.nl