Division Structure Analysis is currently seeking a student (f/m/d) for the project "Exploration of transition metal phosphate phase diagrams with an automated discovery platform"
Transition metal phosphates (M-Ps) have recently attracted major attention due to their high (electro)catalytical activity. In particular Co-P shows a great promise as an electrode material in an oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and Ni-P as a material for supercapacitors. For any of those applications M-Ps have to exhibit a very high surface area and mesoporosity (pores in the range of 1-50 nm). We have recently developed a synthesis route for such mesopororous M-Ps which yields 2–5 nm wide pore channels, specific surface area of 300 m2 g−1 and a pore volume of 0.28 cm3 g−1. This method relies on decomposition of a crystalline M-struvite precursors, i.e. M - NH4PO4.6H2O (M = Co, Ni, Mn).
Hence, the synthesis of M-struvites is the key aspect of the further development of this technology. However, although the aforementioned phase-pure M-struvites can be precipitated from simple aqueous solutions, the actual variable space for which they form is poorly understood. This is the case for single-metal as well as for 2- and 3-mixed metal struvites. The goal of this MSc/BSc project is to explore the solution variable space using a recently developed at BAM an automated discovery and synthesis platform (“the chemputer”). This platform comprises a number of pumps and reactors, which allows for many parallel syntheses. The phase composition of the final solid products will be measured with on-line Raman and FTIR spectroscopies, and with other in-house methods such as electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.
Project duration: to be agreed, typically 2-6 months depending if it is a BSc or MSc, but can be extended
The “chemputer”
Quelle: BAM, Structure Analysis Division
Requirements
- Studies in subject-related experimental Natural Sciences e.g. Chemistry, Materials Science, Geosciences/Minearology etc.
- At least basic Python skills are essential. Intermediate or Advanced Python is preferred;
- Proficiency in English is NOT required.
Contact
CV and a letter of motivation to tomasz.stawski@bam.de; Either in DE or EN.
Dr. Tomasz Stawski
Division Structure Analysis
Phone: +49 330 8104 3395
Email: tomasz.stawski@bam.de