Many important industrial processes are catalyzed by metal nanoparticles. Increasing the efficiency of this catalysis will lead to enormous savings of energy and decreased impact on the environment. However, the catalysis process is only partly understood. We know that the local environment of the metal nanoparticles must be of great importance, since it influences the transport of both the reactant and the product to and from the particles. It is expected that the molecular dimensions of reactant and product, the dimensions of the pore network, the possible presence of gas nanobubbles and specific wall/substrate/solvent interactions will all play a role. This Ph.D. project will aim at investigating these aspects of the catalytic process.

In your research you will: - In the MESA+ cleanroom produce metal nanoparticles at the end of ceramic nanopores down to 5 nm wide. For the metals you will use e.g. gold and platinum and for the ceramics e.g. fused silica and alumina; - Investigate catalytic reactions in the different nanoparticle/ceramic structures using confocal microscopy, local spectroscopy and highly localized heating by laser pulses. This part of the work will be performed in cooperation with the group of prof. van Blaaderen in Utrecht (http://www.colloid.nl/).; - Make a theoretical diffusion/reaction model to understand the role of the ceramic surface properties as well as the possible interference of gas nanobubbles formed on the catalytic activity. This part of you work will be performed in cooperation with the group of prof. Lohse at Twente University (http://pof.tnw.utwente.nl/)

We are looking for an excellent student with a degree preferably in (physical) chemistry, physics or applied physics. The candidate should be an enthusiastic person with well-developed communication skills, especially in written and spoken English. He or she must be open-minded and be capable of working independently as well as in a team.

Information and application
Your application can be uploaded via www.utwente.nl/vacatures/en Applications need to include a one-page motivation letter, a detailed CV (resume), a publication list, the contact details of at least 2 referees, and a list of B.Sc. and M.Sc. grades. Please provide us with your TOEFL or IELTS score, if available.

Please contact Prof. Jan Eijkel (j.c.t.eijkel@utwente.nl) for more information.

We offer a very challenging position in an inspiring multidisciplinary and international environment. As a PhD candidate you will be offered a full-time (38 hours/week) position for four years, after which you should have completed your PhD thesis. In accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, the gross monthly salary for a PhD increases from € 2083,-- in the first year to € 2664,-- in the final year plus a holiday allowance (8%), an end-year bonus (8.3% of the annual salary) and a number of additional benefits. The University of Twente provides excellent campus facilities, and actively supports professional and personal development.

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