Some 60-70% of all products of the chemical industries is produced with the help of heterogeneous catalysts . At the same time catalysis plays a big role in environmental chemistry: h ydrogen production for fuel cells, and vehicle emission control, are two important and challenging examples of heterogeneous catalysis in the context of clean energy . M etal oxide surfaces and nanoparticle s will be in focus in this Ph.D. project because they are good catalysts.
We will use a combination of theoretical techniques (static, dynamic, quantum mechanics, force fields) to find out how molecules interact with catalyst surfaces, to produce hydrogen for example, and how "normal" metal oxide surfaces and nanoparticles differ. Starting from simple model systems we will gradually increase the complexity and explore how structure, dynamics (temperature) and redox properties (electronic structure) are coupled at the atomic/molecular level. Theoretical calculations in this field are particularly important because it is generall y impossible to determine from experiment exactly which constellations of atoms form "the active catalytic sites" on the surface . Large-scale computer simulations based on modern powerful techniques will be an important part of the project. It is a challenge to build accurate models for these complicated systems so there is room for much improvement here. Collaboration with research groups abroad constitutes an integral part of the project.
If you are interested in this position you are welcome to send in an application including a letter which describes yourself and your research interests, a CV, copies of your exams, degrees and grades, and - if relevant - a copy of your Masters thesis, diploma projects or equivalent. Letter(s) of recommendation or contact data to reference persons shall be included. Other relevant material can also be included.
A suitable background for you upon admission is an undergraduate or Masters degree chemistry, physics or a related subject. Some background in one or several of the following can be very suitable: materials chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, chemical physics, theoretical chemistry, computational chemistry.
Doctoral studies normally comprise 4 years full-time studies. Additionally, other duties at the department, usually teaching assistant duties, up to 20% may be included. More information about doctoral studies at can be found under http://www.teknat.uu.se .
Information about this position is given by Prof. Kersti Hermansson, tel. 018-471 3767 ( kersti@mkem.uu.se ). Trade union representatives are Anders Grundström, SACO-rådet, tel 018-471 5380, Carin Söderhäll, TCO-ST, tel 018-471 1996 and Stefan Djurström, SEKO, tel 018-471 3315.
The application should be submitted June 22, 2009 at the latest, to: Registrator, UFV-PA 2009/1093 Uppsala universitet, Box 256 , 751 05 Uppsala , fax 018-471 2000 or e-mail to registrator@uu.se . Applicants who use fax or e-mail must follow up by sending in original documents no later than one week after the deadline.
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