Catalysis in the Laboratory Astrochemistry of Nanocarbon Formation in Space (CAstroCat)

这个博士学位的机会将在实验室天体化学研究小组在赫瑞瓦特大学化学科学研究所，爱丁堡，并将导致在化学博士学位。该项目与最近资助的EPSRC项目Astrocatalysis：In Operando Studies of Catalysis and Photocatalysis of Space-funded Transition Metals（EP/W 023024/1）保持一致，将为学生提供探索实验室天体化学和现代催化科学前沿的机会。在这个项目中，我们将探索铁和小铁原子簇（Fex; x = 2 - 3）的作用，通过使用热，光和电子在促进芳香化的含碳物质的条件下，平行于那些在星际环境中走向星星和行星形成的相应羰基簇的脱羰基化。与巴塞罗那自治大学的Albert Rimola教授合作，AstroCat项目的项目合作伙伴，并通过短期交流访问，我们将探索这种化学的计算方面。该项目还符合COST行动21126 -空间碳分子纳米结构（NanoSpace）的目标。

This PhD opportunity will be in the Laboratory Astrochemistry Research Group in the Institute of Chemical Sciences of Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh and will lead to a PhD in Chemistry. This project, aligned with the recently funded EPSRC project Astrocatalysis: In Operando Studies of Catalysis and Photocatalysis of Space-abundant Transition Metals (EP/W023024/1), will provide students with the opportunity to explore the cutting edge of laboratory astrochemistry and modern catalytic science. In this project, we will explore the role of single atoms of iron and small iron clusters (Fex; x = 2 - 3) generated by de-carbonylation of the corresponding carbonyl clusters using heat, light and electrons in promoting aromatisation of carbonaceous species under conditions that parallel those in interstellar environments moving towards star and planet formation. In collaboration with Professor Albert Rimola from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, a project partner in the AstroCat Project, and through short exchange visits, we will explore computationally aspects of this chemistry. The project also aligns with goals of the COST Action 21126 - Carbon molecular nanostructures in space (NanoSpace).