1 PhD Research position in Defect engineered double metal cyanide (DMCs) for catalysis – Marie Sklodowska-Curie European Training Network in Belgium | KU Leuven

A Marie Sklodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher (ESR)/PhD position is available at the “Center for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis” at the KU Leuven University, Belgium, within the framework of “DEFNET” European Training Network (ETN).

Eligibility:

Early-stage researchers (ESR) are those who are, at the time of recruitment by the host, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree (M.Sc or Diploma) which formally entitles them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged.

Mobility Rules:

ESRs are required to undertake transnational mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of recruitment by the host organization, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

English Language:

ESRs must demonstrate their proficiency in English language (ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English)

Short description of the ESR Project:

DMC (Prussian blue) materials with enhanced microporosity and catalytic activity will be developed. Specifically, we will study the effect of (i) using other metal nodes (e.g. penta- or tetracyanometallates instead of hexacyanometallates), (ii) other ionic centres (e.g. replacing M2+ like Zn2+ by stronger Lewis acid, e.g. Ti4+) and (iii) the effects of using other porogens (e.g. organic linkers like 4,4’-dipyridylethene or macromolecules such as polyvinylpyridine).

Catalytic testing will involve (i) transesterifications and other acylations, (ii) hydroaminations, (iii) epoxide polymerization reactions.

Job Requirements:

Excellent background in Inorganic or Materials Chemistry; good feeling for organic catalysis and keen interest in industrial organic chemistry. Ability to work in a small team within an intellectually challenging environment.

Scale of pay:

According to the MSCA-ITN rules; € 3110/month (adjusted to country coefficient) + Mobility + Family Allowance (if applicable)