Surface reactions live in plasma environment

This postdoc position connects the two active research fields of surface science and plasma chemistry. The project aims to understand the active state of a surface live during plasma exposure using a unique methodology developed by our research group. It is part of a fully funded Starting Grant from the European Research Council entitled “Resolving surface reactions in plasma catalysis: Towards rational catalyst design (SURPLAS)” at the Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL). 

Background

Renewable energy is key to tackling climate change and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. The intermittent supply of renewable energy hampers its efficient usage and creates a pressing need for innovative energy conversion approaches. Energy-to-fuel conversion using plasma-assisted catalytic conversion is highly promising for producing urgently needed fuels from greenhouse gases. In plasma catalysis, reactants are activated in a plasma discharge, allowing for remarkable efficiencies beyond the limits of thermal catalysis. The catalyst surface defines the reaction pathway and selectivity, and is thus key in catalyst design. However, at present the active state of catalyst surfaces in plasma is unknown, limiting the impact of plasma catalysis by inhibiting the design of dedicated plasma catalysts.

Project goal

In the SURPLAS project, we will determine the surface reaction mechanisms of catalysts in plasma and demonstrate the rational design of plasma catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation. You will determine the active state of metal surfaces live in plasma environment and analyze the role of the individual plasma species in the reaction. Using infrared absorption spectroscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy, you will identify the key reaction intermediates of plasma-catalytic reactions on model catalysts. Throughout the project, you will couple new fundamental insights on plasma-surface interactions to changes in reactivity and selectivity of surfaces.

What does ARCNL offer you?

• Responsibility over a unique tool combining plasma exposure in situ with photoelectron spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy
• Access to state-of-the-art sample characterization and preparation tools including ultra-high vacuum equipment for imaging and diffraction, thin-film growth, and cleanroom facilities
• The opportunity to learn new characterization methods and improve your experimental skills in measurement campaigns designed by you
• Active collaborations with world-leading experimental and theoretical groups
• Cooperation with a team of PhD students and a large industrial partner

You need to meet the requirements for a doctors-degree and must have research experience in a non-Dutch academic environment.

You have a PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, or Materials Science and experience with infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy for surface-sensitive measurements.
You are independent and have good project management skills.
Good verbal and written communication skills (in English) are required.
A background in surface science, ultra-high vacuum, and photoelectron spectroscopy is considered an advantage for the project.

The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the maximum duration of 2 years, with a salary in scale 10 (CAO-OI) and a range of employment benefits. ARCNL assists any new foreign Postdoc with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

Materials and Surface Science for EUV Lithography

The Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL) focuses on the fundamental physics and chemistry involved in current and future key technologies in nanolithography, primarily for the semiconductor industry. ARCNL is a public-private partnership between the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam and the semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML. ARCNL is located at the Science Park Amsterdam, The Netherlands (see also www.arcnl.nl).
The research activities of the Materials and Surface Science for EUV Lithography group aim at the atomic-scale understanding of surface processes in challenging environments, such as plasmas, high light intensities, and high temperatures.