Catalysis for Sustainable Processes - Conversion of CO2 to dimethyl carbonate

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Promoter: Paolo Pescarmona


Description: In the Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis of the University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven), we are looking for a motivated and talented Ph.D. researcher for a 4-year project on the development of heterogeneous catalysts for the conversion of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide to dimethyl carbonate.

Carbon dioxide is produced in large amounts from fuel combustion and represents the main contribution to greenhouse gases. Therefore, CO2 emissions are considered a serious threat to the environment. On the other hand, this implies that carbon dioxide is an easily available, abundant, economical and renewable carbon source. In this project, the target is to identify a suitable heterogeneous catalyst for the conversion of CO2 to dimethyl carbonate. Dimethyl carbonate is a versatile compound with applications as solvent, as fuel additive and as eco friendly alternative reagent for methylation and carbonylation reactions. High-Throughput Experimentation techniques will be employed to enable the rapid and efficient preparation and testing of a large set of heterogeneous catalysts in different reaction conditions, including the use of supercritical CO2.

Key words: Catalysis - Sustainable Processes - High-Throughput Experimentation

Latest application date: 2009-12-31

Financing: Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window

Type of Position: scholarship

Source of Funding: EMECW

Duration of the Project : 4 years


Research group: Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M#S)

Remarks: Organisation

The University of Leuven (K.U. Leuven) was founded in 1425 and through the centuries it established a tradition of hospitality towards students and scholars from abroad. Nowadays, K.U. Leuven is a prestigious and internationally renowned university, providing education and carrying out research in many fields of knowledge. It is located in the heart of Belgium, at about 20 km from Brussels. For more information: www.kuleuven.be

The Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis is an internationally recognised research group in the field of catalysis. The group consists of an interdisciplinary team active in a vast range of research topics: synthesis of microporous, mesoporous, nanosized materials and membranes; structural and surface chemistry, liquid-solid and gas-solid interactions; structure-activity relationships in heterogeneous catalysis; supramolecular and environmental catalysis. The research approach is unique as synthesis, characterisation and testing of the catalytic materials are performed under the same roof, thanks to an extensive set of techniques including state-of-the-art High-Throughput Experimentation facilities.
For more information: www.biw.kuleuven.be/cok/

Requirements & conditions of employment

The applicant should hold a Master of Science in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent studies. A good knowledge of English (spoken and written) is required. Due to the multidisciplinary and challenging nature of the project, the candidate is expected to have the curiosity and the flexibility to rapidly learn new topics.

The candidate will have to apply for a grant. After a pre-selection, the supervisor will help the candidate in the preparation of the application. The successful candidate will be employed for four years within which he/she is expected to write a doctoral thesis.

The applicant is asked to submit a Curriculum Vitae, a list of grades of his/her Master’s study and a concise letter of motivation. Letters of reference will be asked after a preliminary selection.