PhD project: Exploring Plasma-catalysis for Sustainable Production of Chemicals

In a collaboration between Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at DTU and Haldor Topsøe A/S we are offering a PhD position within the exploration of plasma assisted catalysis and catalytic process development for sustainable production of chemicals. Plasma catalysis is the combination of primarily a non-thermal plasma, providing electrons to excite molecules, and a catalytic surface, enabling these to react chemically with enhanced selectivity for the desired products. A plasma is generated by electricity, and so it is also highly relevant in the expected electrification of society that is taking place with the rapid development of solar and wind based electricity.

The PhD project will pioneer this research area at the department, and will develop new catalysts and processes to selected chemicals and intermediates such as hydrogen/synthesis gas or oxidation products like methanol and formaldehyde from methane, dehydrogenation reactions of alkanes to olefins and aromatics, ammonia etc.

The PhD project will be supervised by Prof. Anker Degn Jensen and Asc. Prof. Jakob Munkholt Christensen from the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at DTU in collaboration with Dr. Martin Østberg from the partnering company Haldor Topsøe A/S.

Responsibilities and tasks

• A thorough literature study of plasma assisted catalysis and selection of promising reactions
• Establish experimental capabilities at the department within plasma assisted catalysis
• Catalyst synthesis and characterization
• Develop and optimize catalyst testing procedures
• Development of modelling capabilities within plasma assisted catalysis and modelling of selected reactions

 

Qualifications

Master of Science in Chemical engineering, Chemistry or Physics, preferably with experience from catalysis as well as modelling and laboratory work.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Anker Degn Jensen from DTU-Chemical Engineering and R&D Director Dr. Martin Østberg from Haldor Topsøe A/S.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Anker Degn Jensen, aj@kt.dtu.dk
You can read more about Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering on www.kt.dtu.dk.

DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and scientific advice. Our staff of 6,000 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society, and our 11,200 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government and public agencies.