Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Nanoscience programme. The position is available from May 2025 or later.

Title:
Finding optimum surfaces for cobalt oxide catalysts for low-temperature decomposition of nitrous oxide

Research area and project description:

As a PhD student, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to become part of the Interfaces and Catalysis group at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), led by Prof. Jeppe V. Lauritsen. We’re a team of researchers, applying experimental methods to address the atomic structure of surfaces and the fundamental relation to catalytic and electrocatalytic activity.

The open PhD project concerns catalysts for reduction of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, that are recognized as the third strongest contributor to global warming after CO2 and methane.  The challenge with the current catalyst types is the relatively high temperature required to run the catalytic N2O decomposition process efficiently.

The PhD project will work with the potential for making new low-temperature catalysts for this reaction by controlled synthesis of Co3O4 interfaces with high catalytic activity, thereby paving the way for targeted synthesis of optimized nanoparticle morphologies. The project will be conducted in collaboration with scientists at the major industrial producer of catalysts, Topsoe A/S, located in Denmark.

We will use our experimental tools to observe catalyst surface reactions “live” while they’re active. Our in-situ techniques, based on ambient pressure XPS and STM, provide real-time insight into how the detailed structure and chemical composition of a surface determines its catalytic properties. 

Some examples of recent in our group work using similar experimental methods include:

1. Role of Cu Oxide and Cu Adatoms in the Reactivity of CO₂ on Cu(110). Angewandte Chemie International Edition 2024, 63, e202405554.
2. Visualizing the gas-sensitive structure of the CuZn surface in methanol synthesis catalysis. Nature Communications 2024, 15, 3865.

The cobalt oxidation state in preferential CO oxidation on CoO_x/Pt(111) investigated by operando X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 2022, 24, 9236-9246.

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.

Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants should have a recent master’s degree (3-year PhD programme) or 4-years of studies (4-year PhD programme) in physics, chemistry, nanoscience or equivalent disciplines, and with an excellent and documented exam record. 

Knowledge in surface science, scanning tunnelling microscopy or synchrotron studies, or thesis work using ultra-high vacuum equipment will be considered a plus.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Nanoscience, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact Professor Jeppe V. Lauritsen, jvang@inano.au.dk

How to apply:

For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.

When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 December 2024)

1. Choose February 2025 Call with deadline 1 February 2025 at 23:59 CET.
2. You will be directed to the call and must choose the programme “Nanoscience”.
3. In the boxed named “Study”: In the dropdown menu, please choose: Finding optimum surfaces for cobalt oxide catalysts for low-temperature decomposition of nitrous oxide (Foscoc)

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.

At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.

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. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.