I am always interested in hearing from excellent PhD or post doc candidates with a strong background in surface science or surface physics.
Looking for a Bachelor or Masters project?: Contact jvang@inano.au.dk
No positions published at the moment
Gold single-crystal surfaces are the actual gold standard when it comes to surface science and fundamental electrochemistry. Their behavior is well understood and they are easy to prepare. But electrochemical reactions conducted in aqueous electrolyte have the drawback of the competing water-splitting reaction when aiming to synthesize organic molecules. While gold electrodes have been extensively studied in aqueous electrolytes, their behavior as electrode material in organic liquids is not fully explored. Understanding the gold surface properties and its interaction with the electrolyte is essential to develop new catalysts for the renewable synthesis of organic compounds.
The goal of the Master’s project is to investigate how the behavior of gold electrodes changes when moving towards methanol-based electrochemistry. Investigate surface restructuring, surface-molecule interactions and chemical reactions on the atomic scale!
You will be using surface science characterization techniques, such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), combined with basic electrochemical characterization.
Qualifications: Interest in studying the fundamentals of chemical reactions on surfaces. Expertise in surface science and/or electrochemistry is of benefit, but not required.
Co-supervision: Paul Leidinger and Jeppe V. Lauritsen
Contact: paul.leidinger@chem.au.dk
