About the Project
A recurring issue with spectroscopy and diffraction is the ability to ‘see’ all sites irrespective of their involvement in reaction. Advanced methods can be employed, where ‘spectator’ signals can be mathematically ignored. However, this relies on a perfectly reproducible set of conditions – not often the case in a catalytic reaction with evolving sites or deactivation. Possibly uniquely, muon spin resonance (μSR) can provide a direct probe of these dynamic active sites. With Dr Adam Berlie (STFC, ISIS, Harwell) we have recently used μSR to study Cu-SSZ13 (the active catalyst for NOx abatement in diesel exhausts) We have found that muons selectively interact with the ion-exchanged Cu species inside the zeolite pores (the active sites for NH3-selective catalytic reduction of NOx to N2) potentially reducing the Cu2+ to Cu+. Our paper has just been accepted for publication in ACS Chem Mater.
In this PhD we want to apply μSR to the study of Fe zeolites for several applications. One application is for shipping emission strategies. Recent literature points to Fe-zeolites being able to promote both N2O (greenhouse gas) and NO remediation in the same system.[1] Our recent μSR studies have focused on Cu-SSZ13, however the approach developed can be equally applied to Fe-zeolites.
The student will be exposed to challenging catalytic reactions and be trained in characterisation techniques such as Raman, XRD and DRIFTS in Glasgow. In addition, experiments at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source in Harwell, will be a major part of the PhD project, providing invaluable practical experience of working at large-scale facilities and unprecedented insight into theses challenging catalyst materials.
Applicants are encouraged to contact Emma Gibson (emma.gibson@glasgow.ac.uk) as soon as possible: Please include a CV and a cover letter.
Applications will be considered only until the position is filled.
Start date: 01 October 2026
[1] F. Buttignol, A.Garbujo, P. Biasi, O. Kröcher, D. Ferri, J.Am.Chem.Soc. (2025), 147, 8978−8990
For more information and to apply visit https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/phd-in-chemistry-muon-spectroscopy-a-new-tool-to-selectively-probe-zeolite-active-sites/?p195574
