This project will focus on producing finely tuned bimetallic nanoparticles by using the dual magnetron cluster source based at the B07 beamline. B07 consists of two independent beamlines which provide high quality surface and interface analysis using near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) and near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS). NAP-XPS is a key technique for understanding the surface science over heterogeneous catalysts.
The cluster source is a collaborative project between Diamond Light Source and Swansea University, which facilitates the production of size-controlled and size-selected nanoparticles across a wide size range, from single atoms to clusters of 10000 or more atoms. Amongst other applications, these clusters are perfect model catalysts and thus underpin a key research area for B07, a better understanding of heterogeneous catalysts at the atomic level. Important aspects of this endeavour include metal cluster-support interactions and the metal distribution within bimetallic particles.
For many catalytic reactions bimetallic catalysts are often superior to pure metals. The mixing of metals allows tuning the electronic structure and thus the catalyst activity; it can also help preventing sintering or catalyst poisoning/degradation. In other applications, base-metal core/ precious-metal shell structures can help reducing the precious metal content and thus make the catalyst production more economic. Control of both the size, composition and element distribution of bimetallic clusters is not trivial, and the functional differences which can result from varying these properties are enormous.e project’s main aim is to establish basic protocols for producing bimetallic clusters rather than detailed studies of their physical and chemical properties. The source features two independent magnetrons, which allows production of mono-metallic or bi-metallic clusters. The key aim is to produce a series of bimetallic cluster samples, with varied cluster sizes and compositions, to show these properties are controllable as a direct function of cluster source parameters.
Applications are now closed for this project.
Please apply via our online application portal. The vacancy that you are applying for is the "Summer Placements 2023" listing, you will then have the opportunity to select up to three projects to apply for. This project's reference is 23005SP.
Interviews will be scheduled for 6, 7, 8, and 9 February 2023.
If you are disabled and would like to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please let us know via the online application process.
Please note that this role does not meet the required skill level for a Skilled Worker visa and therefore we would be unable to sponsor individuals due to the current UK Home Office immigration rules. To be appointed to the role, candidates will need to have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship from us.
Diamond Light Source is the UK's national synchrotron science facility, located at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.
Copyright © 2022 Diamond Light Source
Diamond Light Source Ltd
Diamond House
Harwell Science & Innovation Campus
Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 0DE
Diamond Light Source® and the Diamond logo are registered trademarks of Diamond Light Source Ltd
Registered in England and Wales at Diamond House, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0DE, United Kingdom. Company number: 4375679. VAT number: 287 461 957. Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number: GB287461957003.
Careers