Post-doc positions

Division of Environmental Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics of Comenius University in Bratislava is currently seeking highly qualified applicant for post-doctoral position.


Topic: Honeycomb discharge for diesel exhaust treatment

Annotation:
Cold plasma generated by electrical discharges at atmospheric pressure is a powerful tool for initiating chemical processes in gases, liquids and on surfaces of materials. In order to increase the selectivity of chemical processes the plasma is often combined with chemical catalysis. Combination of plasma and catalysis is characterized by high plasma reactivity, high catalytic selectivity and often by synergistic effects. Plasma catalysis finds its applications in air pollution control, i.e. removal of various volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and other greenhouse gases. Our team has studied discharges in a contact with various structured dielectric materials (cavities, pores and capillaries), their basic properties, conditions of their stable generation and tested their chemical reactivity and applicability for air pollution control. Here we want to focus on discharges in honeycomb monoliths and bundles of capillary tubes with supported catalysts. Honeycombs monoliths are of great importance in heterogeneous catalysis as they provide a high surface-to-volume ratio, low pressure drop, and high mass and heat transfer.

Objectives
To study plasma discharges generated and combined with honeycomb catalysts using both classical and new electrical and optical diagnostic methods for discharge characterization. To study of the chemical reactivity and removal of synthetic pollutants as well as real exhaust from a diesel engine. Focus will be on honeycomb discharge reactor configuration, catalysts composition and its conductivity, temperature, composition and humidity of exhaust gases, discharge power, etc. Gas analysis will be performed by the UV-VIS and FTIR spectrometry, and gas chromatography in order to evaluate the efficiency of plasma chemical processes, energy consumption, carbon balance and carbon dioxide selectivity. Surface analysis of catalysts will be made by SEM electron microscopy, EDX spectroscopy and reflective ATR FTIR spectroscopy. Regeneration of the honeycomb catalyst, eventually diesel particulate filters, by discharges in also among the planned tasks.

Relevant literature
* A. Bogaerts, X. Tu, J. C. Whitehead et al.: The 2020 plasma catalysis roadmap, J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 53, 443001 (2020)
* H.-H. Kim, A. A. Abdelaziz, Y. Teramoto, et al.: Interim report of plasma-catalysis: Footprints in the past and blueprints for the future, Int. J. Plasma Environ. Sci. Technol. 15 (1), e01004 (2021)
* K. Hensel: Microdischarges in ceramic foams and honeycombs, Eur. Phys. J. D 54 (2), 141-148 (2009)
* R. Cimerman, M. Cíbiková, L. Satrapinskyy, K. Hensel: The effect of packing material properties on tars removal by plasma catalysis, Catalysts 10 (12), 1476 (2020)

Comments
A potential candidate should be an enthusiastic person with a solid knowledge and experience in chemistry, chemical catalysis or plasma catalysis. Laboratory research experience is required. The collaboration will be between a Division of Environmental Physics (Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics) and Department of Inorganic Chemistry (Faculty of Natural Sciences). The topic is related to an on-going project of the Slovak Research and Development Agency (APVV-20-0566): Electrical discharges in a contact with catalysts, and plasma catalysis for flue gas cleaning. The minimal requirements include a completed PhD level degree in the intended area of study or a closely related area. Applicants are required to submit following documents by e-mail to Prof. Karol Hensel (hensel@fmph.uniba.sk).

* CV with the list of recent publications
* copy of PhD diploma
* brief motivation letter
* recommendation letter

Contact:
Prof. Karol Hensel (hensel@fmph.uniba.sk)



Application and evaluation process
The deadline for application is July 15, 2023. Received applications will be briefly evaluated and the best applicants will be selected for an online interview. A candidate who will pass the final selection is expected to start his/her post-doctoral position from October 2023. A duration of the stay is 1 year (with optional extension by one more year).

Salary, accommodation and insurance
The candidate is entitled to receive a gross monthly salary  of  1700 EUR. Accommodation is possible in a student dormitory (e.g. a single room for ~150-300 EUR/month). The health and social security insurance is covered.