Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Nanoscience programme. Two position are available from February 2022 or later.

Title:
CO₂ conversion by heterogeneous photocatalysis (2 PhD scholarships)

Research area and project description:
Humanity is starting to face the consequences of anthropogenic CO₂ emission, and there is currently large focus on the development of carbon capture and utilisation technologies, which would enable conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products. Photochemical CO₂ reduction uses light as energy input for the reduction of CO₂. Hence by using solar light or low-cost LED technology, CO2 from industrial gas emissions may be used as a C1 source for producing fuel or commodity chemicals, which are conventionally produced from fossil fuels. Light-driven CO₂ conversion is challenging and often suffers from low conversion. Therefore, the development of improved catalysts is crucial for improving photocatalytic CO₂ conversion.

The goal of this project is to use heterogeneous photocatalysis for CO₂ conversion to products such as carbon monoxide or formate or even to ethylene or ethanol. The project will be conducted within the Carbon Dioxide Activation Center (CADIAC) at Aarhus University. CADIAC uses an interdisciplinary approach, e.g. photo-, electro-, and homogeneous catalysis, to target the challenge of catalytic CO₂ reduction.

The project will be based on the development of novel hybrid organic-inorganic materials including two-dimensional materials, carbon materials, and metal-organic frameworks. Rational materials design will be applied to optimize the light absorption and catalytic properties of the materials towards their CO₂ conversion properties. This includes tailoring of carbon based materials as light absorbers. Besides screening of the catalytic properties, the best performing materials will be characterized in depth using X-ray based techniques (including powder diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy), electron microscopy, and spectroscopic methods in order to investigate the mechanism behind the CO₂ conversion.

The PhD student will design and conduct synthesis of hybrid organic-inorganic materials by means of solvothermal as well as “wet-chemical” synthesis approaches. Moreover, the candidate will carry out systematic screening of CO₂ conversion reactions including application of analytical techniques for product identification and quantification (e.g. gas- and ion chromatography). The PhD student will also perform structural characterization of selected materials. The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment, and the student is expected to stay 3-6 months in Germany during the studies.

Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD positions should have a Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, nanoscience or equivalent fields. The candidate should have strong experience with synthesis of inorganic, organic and/or hybrid organic-inorganic materials. Likewise, the applicant must have hands-on experience with some of the following techniques for characterization of materials and/or synthesis products: X-ray based techniques including powder diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and electron microscopy. Experience with catalysis is an advantage. Good English communication skills (oral and written) are required.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Gustav Wieds Vej 14, DK-8000 Aarhus C., Denmark. 

iNANO, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (www.inano.au.dk), was established in 2002 and at present is a major research and education center based at Aarhus University hosting 60 senior scientists, ~100 PostDocs and ~100 PhD students. The center combines expertise and faculty from Physics, Chemistry, Molecular biology and Medicine to carry out world class interdisciplinary research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The center gives access to a broad range of infrastructure, tools and expertise including clean-room facilities. With a 5 year undergraduate nanotechnology programme and nanoscience graduate programme (www.inanoschool.au.dk) the center provides a full educational environment. In addition to the large base of basic research, the center has a large number of ongoing industrial projects and partnerships. 

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Associate Professor Nina Lock, nlock@bce.au.dk

Application procedures

Before you apply, please read the application guide thoroughly. You can find the guide here.

How to apply:

1)      Find the application form:
Go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ – Note, the online application system opens on 1 September 2021.
Choose November 2021 Call with deadline 1 November 2021 at noon (11.59 AM CET).
You will be directed to the call, and must choose the programme “Nanoscience”.

2)      Fill in the following information:

• Personal information
• Academic background
• Admission
• Financing (if any)
• Study: In the dropdown menu you must choose the project: “CO2 conversion by heterogeneous photocatalysis (2 PhD scholarships) (COchp()”
• Source (how you found out about the call)

Next to some of the information fields you will find a number. Click on the number to get further directions on how to fill in the information field/what information is needed.

3)      Application attachments:
Please be aware that you cannot submit the application if one or several of these documents have not been uploaded.

If you wish to upload more than one document under each section, you must scan/merge all documents into one large PDF file and upload this. Please note that we reserve the right to remove scientific papers, large reports, theses and the like. Instead you can indicate a URL where the information is available.

All information in the application must be in English or Danish, preferably English. A certified English translation is required for documents written in languages other than English or one of the Scandinavian languages (i.e. Norwegian, Swedish or Danish) languages.

As a minimum, all applications must include (pdf-files only, max. 20 MB, and no zip):
One reference (template for references)

• Curriculum vitae,
• Motivation (max. 1 page)
• Transcripts, grade point averages (weighted and unweighted), and diploma(s) for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. If the original documents are not in English or one of the Scandinavian languages (i.e. Norwegian, Swedish or Danish) then copies of the original documents as well as a certified English translation must be attached.
• Project description (½-4 pages). For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Please note that we reserve the right to remove scientific papers, large reports, theses and the like.
• Documentation of language skills if required.

After submission of the application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with an application ID, you should use for reference if needed.

The graduate school reserves the right to verify the authenticity of your educational diploma and transcripts:

• Request additional information to verify an application.
• Reject the application if it is proven, or if the University has reasonable belief, that the information provided is false or if the applicant refuses to provide the requested information, whether or not an offer has already been made. 
• For further information on applying, assessment procedures, etc. please see the GSNS Application Guide.

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
• The projects will only be initiated if final funding (from the graduate school/the faculty) is secured.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.