Post-Doc Position at the Politecnico di Torino, Italy

Politecnico di Torino - Start Date Early 2024

Materials and Microsystems Laboratory

Research Topic:

Computational Engineering of Single Atom Catalysts for CO2 reduction.

This Post-Doc opportunity relates to the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) into valuable chemicals and fuels using innovative and selective electrocatalysts. CO2RR, although being very promising, confronts many challenges due to the low energy content in CO2, high reaction energy barriers, slow kinetics for CO2 electroreduction, and low selectivity toward a specific product. Therefore, the design and development of highly active and selective catalysts is crucial for practical application of electrocatalytic CO2RR.

In this project, we target high-efficiency electrochemical CO2 conversion by studying a new generation of single atom catalysts (SACs) with engineered dual-coordination dispersed in carbon nanotubes. The design and development of the dual-coordinated single atoms nanoarchitectures will be achieved by accurate theoretical models of the single atoms with different local environments, consisting of one or two heteroatoms. Ab initio calculations will identify the most stable structural configurations and will compute the electronic properties of the SACs. State-of-the-art modelling techniques will also give access to both the thermodynamics and the kinetics of the CO2 reduction reaction on the active metal site, providing critical predictions on the performances of the considered catalysts.

This initiative is a crucial component of a nationally funded project conducted in collaboration with an experimental group at the University of Padova, offering a rich interdisciplinary research environment.

We invite applications from candidates who have successfully completed a PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field prior to the commencement of this post-doctoral position. We are seeking self-motivated and adaptable individuals who thrive in a collaborative, innovative research setting. This position is available for immediate engagement and may be extended for a second year through mutual agreement.

The candidate should have strong knowledge of solid-state physics, thermodynamics and thermochemistry and previous experience with the use of plane wave DFT codes.

How to Apply:

Motivated candidates are invited to send:

- Cover Letter including the earliest available date to start

- CV (including a list of publications and names of 2~3 references)

- Brief description of research experience

to Prof. Giancarlo Cicero ([email protected]), Prof. Francesca Risplendi ([email protected]) and Prof. Michele Re Fiorentin ([email protected]) with the subject line “RECYCLE-CO2 Post-Doc”.

Due to a large number of applications anticipated, we regret that we may not be able to respond to all inquiries and applications.