PhD position in catalysis and materials design (ITQ)

 – Deadline for applications: November 30, 2024 –    

     Rational design of zeolite-supported subnanometric metal catalysts for environmental and low-carbon footprint industrial applications

     The Advanced Materials for Catalysis and Sustainable Processes Group of the Institute of Chemical Technology ITQ (UPV-CSIC) in Valencia offers a PhD position linked to the CIPROM/2023/34 Project, entitled “Rational design of zeolite supported subnanometric metal catalysts for environmental and low-carbon footprint industrial applications“, funded by the Generalitat Valenciana within the Prometeo program for Research Groups of Excellence.

     The overall objective of the project is the rational design of structurally unique solid catalysts for the reduction of greenhouse gases and for the decarbonization of the chemical industry. The proposed catalysts are based on metals of molecular dimensions (isolated atoms and/or small clusters) encapsulated within zeolites, microporous solid aluminosilicates containing additional acidic active sites. The target reactions include the removal of atmospheric nitrogen oxides pollutants (NO, NO2, N2O), the efficient conversion of CH4 and CO2 into value-added products, highly selective redox processes, and alternative routes for NH3 production and cracking. The group applies a multidisciplinary approach that combines computational studies of reaction mechanisms and active sites using DFT, MD and machine learning (ML) techniques, novel materials synthesis procedures, advanced characterization methods, and catalytic evaluation of the new materials at laboratory scale.