May 30, 2023

ESR 7

IR-FEL based sum-frequency generation (SFG) as diagnostic for reactive adsorption

Dr. Joost M. Bakker / Prof. Andrei. Kirilyuk

Objectives

  • To develop an experimental IR-FEL based SFG spectroscopy diagnostic platform for molecular adsorption on deposited nanoparticles
  • To characterize the adsorption of CO2 and H2 on samples produced in WP1

Expected Results

  • Sensitive detection scheme for molecular adsorption on clusters and extended surfaces with possible application in different pressure regimes
  • Nature of CO2 adsorption onto various samples of deposited clusters

Dissemination

  • Catchy Outreaching Events

Planned Secondments

  • KUL for training in cluster deposition techniques
  • UA for training on in situ TEM characterization tools
  • TCL for training about scalability of deposition techniques and industrial exposure

Job Announcement

Doctoral Student / Early Stage Researcher (ESR) position

We are seeking an Early-stage Researcher (Ph.D. student) of our recently funded Marie Sklodowska Curie-ITN CATCHY project on the “Design, implementation and production upscaling of novel, high-performance, multimetallic cluster-based catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation and electro-reduction”. Candidates should have (or be about to obtain) a master degree in Chemistry, Physics or a closely related subject, be enthusiastic about experimental research, and ideally have a background in one or more of the following fields: (ultrafast) laser physics, physical chemistry.

As a PhD Candidate you will develop experiments aimed at studying the adsorption of simple molecules on the surface of metallic clusters deposited on a substrate. You will set up a Sum-Frequency Generation (SFG) spectroscopy experiment combining the FELIX free-electron laser with table-top laser sources. You will benchmark the technique using idealized model systems, and will continue to study CO2 adsorption on deposited clusters employing samples produced in our European partner laboratories.
Three periods of 1-2 months of mobility (secondment) at our EU partners are foreseen.

The position is funded by the EU for a duration of 3 years with an additional year funded by Radboud University.
The starting date should ideally be September 2021. Please check the employment conditions and apply online below before May 15th 2021.