Research
Research
This project aims to develop novel conversion pathways and related catalytic materials for the removal of various harmful and unpleasant odorous substances from indoor environments. We will develop photocatalytically active materials that can degrade these harmful substances, which may be present in building walls and furniture for example. The main photocatalysts that we will research are nanostructured perovskites and metal-oxide functionalized zeolite thin films. The most promising catalyst materials will be incorporated in paint systems, creating a functionalized paint which will be tested for its air purification activity. Advanced analytical methods in specially designed testing units for coating evaluation will be developed to detect various relevant target molecules at concentrations down to the ppb level. In addition, we will focus on the activation of the catalyst materials by modern indoor lighting (e.g. LED light including wavelengths in the near UV region), varying in wavelength and intensity. This project will be carried out under supervision of Prof. Dr. ir. Bert Weckhuysen and Dr. Eline Hutter, and will be in collaboration with AkzoNobel Coatings International B.V. through the ARC CBBC.
C.V.
C.V.
Nov 2020 – present
PhD candidate at Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis | Utrecht University (NL)
Project title: “Catalytically active coatings for the removal of indoor pollutants”
In collaboration with AkzoNobel Coatings International B.V. via ARC CBBC
Promotor: Prof. Dr. ir. Bert Weckhuysen
Co-promotor: Dr. Eline Hutter
Sep – Nov 2019
Industrial internship at Clariant Produkte (Deutschland) GmbH | Frankfurt am Main (DE)
Project title: “Structural colors based on melanin, silica and polystyrene nanoparticles”
Under supervision of Dr. Ulrich Sohling (Clariant) and Prof. Dr. Arjan Houtepen (TU Delft)
Apr – Jul 2019
Chemical Design Project | Collaboration between Delft University of Technology and Polymer Science Park (NL)
Project title: “Recycled Polypropylene Packaging Buckets for Food Applications”
Under supervision of Dr. Priscilla Lips (Polymer Science Park) and Dr. Wolter Jager (TU Delft)
Sep 2018 – Aug 2020
Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering | Delft University of Technology (NL)
Master thesis: “Wiggle Wiggle: Coupling between optically excited charge carriers and phonons in CdSe quantum dots”
Under supervision of Prof. Dr. Arjan Houtepen
Sep 2014 – Jul 2017
Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Science & Technology (MST) | Delft University of Technology and Leiden University (NL; joint degree)
Bachelor thesis: “Development of nanocarriers for combined chemo- and radionuclide therapy and their in vitro effect on human U87 glioblastoma spheroids”
Under supervision of Dr. ir. Antonia Denkova