Sweden: PhD Student in chemical engineering

Deadline: 4 May 2013
The project will be performed in close cooperation with Scania CV AB, Materials Technology in Södertälje.

The research work is focused on the oxidation catalyst in an after-treatment system for heavy-duty vehicles. Furthermore, it includes how the properties of the oxidation catalyst influence the SCR reaction. The oxidation catalyst, which is mounted first in the after-treatment system is exposed for untreated exhausts and is therefore the part of the system, which is subjected to the most demanding chemical and thermal environment. These properties are therefore crucial for the performance and lifetime of the system. The placement of the oxidation catalyst makes it extra important to study deactivation phenomena, especially by poisoning. The fuels of tomorrow will be more based on biofuels. Due to this fact we envisage an increased diversification of motor fuels globally, which leads to a demand on catalysts which can operate efficiently on the exhaust gas compositions emanating from these fuels. This project will push this development by quantifying the chemical influence by the various exhaust gas components on the performance and lifetime of the catalyst materials. The effect will be described by easily distinguishable poisoning indices. Catalyst characterization is a very powerful tool to correlate material properties with performance. In this project we will utilize advanced techniques to explain phenomena which can arise at chemical reactions and physical phenomena in oxidation catalysts in heavy-duty vehicles.

The application should include a personal letter where the applicant describes her-/himself, her/his background and interests. A CV and copies of relevant academic/work experience should be enclosed and also official record of transcripts and copy of degree certificate as well as published articles.

Application should be sent by e-mail to: registrator-ke@che.kth.se