Postdoctoral Appointee - X-ray characterization of polymer upcycling/industrial catalysts

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

Job posting number: #7116413 (Ref:414398)

Posted: November 18, 2022

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

The X-ray Science Division of Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to conduct fundamental and applied research on heterogeneous catalyst with synchrotron-based measurements.

Studies on morphological and electronic structure of catalysts are crucial to understand the function of the catalysts. This project is to use x-ray spectroscopy and scattering technique to understand the performance and mechanism of polymer upcycling catalysts and other heterogenous catalysts. A particular interest is the Pt catalysts embedded in mesoporous silica that has been developed by the iCOUP EFRC center. In this system, interaction of the catalysts with polymers may vary under different reaction conditions and leads to the different product distributions. We would like to study this catalysts in situ with synchrotron based x-ray scattering and spectroscopy techniques.

The postdoctoral appointee will be responsible for:

Mainly X-ray absorption study of new catalysts for polymer upcycling and other industrial catalysts.
Small-angle/wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and transmission electron microscopy to characterize catalyst composition and morphology.
The development of new experimental strategies, including operando/in-situ sample cells and sample environments.
The preparation of manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and reports on conferences.
Working independently and as part of a team, developing experimental plans, performing experiments, and analyzing data

Position Requirements

Background in structural analysis using XAS method. Knowledge on small-angle/wide-angle X-ray scattering and XRD are a plus.
Strong experimental skills are necessary for synchrotron measurements and hands-on experience in a laboratory environment.
Specific expertise in one or more of the following: operando/in-situ characterization, inorganic chemistry, and solution chemistry.
Solid background of heterogenous catalyst, able to conduct the catalytic experiment.
Considerable experience on material synthesis and characterization, which may include Raman, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, et. al.
Demonstrated strong motivation toward innovative basic and applied research.
Good communication and teamwork spirit.
Rich experience in proposing, planning, designing, and implementing experiments.
This position requires a Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field and 0 to 3 years of experience/equivalent

Job Family

Postdoctoral Family

Job Profile

Postdoctoral Appointee

Worker Type

Long-Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type

Full time

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