Join us at the forefront of photocatalysis and sustainable materials research, where you will help develop innovative technologies that harness solar energy to create value from challenging waste streams.
About us
The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering pushes the knowledge of chemistry and chemical engineering forward in a broad field of research and education. We offer an international environment, with scientific areas ranging from fundamental chemistry, health and medical technology, materials science, renewable energy, to chemical engineering processing, material recycling, nuclear chemistry, theory and modelling.
At the division of Applied Chemistry we primarily focus on applied research, that is, research aimed at addressing societal challenges and that is ready for implementation either immediately or in the near future. Examples of application areas include fossil-free fuels and energy systems, electronic devices, health and technology, the utilisation of fibres and forest-based materials, and various forms of catalysis.
The Ergang Wang group focuses on synthesis of organic semiconductors for organic electronics and photocatalysts for hydrogen generation and polymer degradation. Presently, the group consists of 1 Professor, 1 permanent researcher, 6 Postdocs and 2 PhD students.
About the research project
This PhD position is part of SPECTRA, a Horizon Europe EIC Pathfinder project bringing together Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), Karlstad University (Sweden), Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands), Chalmers Industriteknik (Sweden), Cicci Research (Italy), and Antares Electrolysis (Italy). The consortium combines expertise in materials science, photocatalysis, modelling, optical engineering, reactor development, sustainability assessment, and industrial innovation to develop next-generation technologies for circular resource utilization. At Chalmers, the PhD project will focus on the development of advanced photocatalytic materials and processes for the selective conversion of plastic waste into valuable products. The work will include photocatalyst synthesis and characterization, photocatalytic reaction studies, product separation and purification, mechanistic investigations, and collaboration with European partners working on modelling, reactor engineering, and sustainability assessment. The successful candidate will join an international and interdisciplinary team addressing one of the most important sustainability challenges of our time.
What you will do
Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Materials Science or Chemistry
Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 5-10 percent of working hours
Develop and characterize advanced photocatalytic materials for sustainable plastic upcycling.
Investigate photocatalytic depolymerisation mechanisms and optimize catalyst performance, selectivity, and stability.
Design and perform photocatalytic experiments in batch and flow reactors.
Develop product separation and purification strategies to improve product quality and recovery.
Use advanced analytical techniques to identify reaction products and guide process optimization.
Collaborate with modelling, reactor engineering, and sustainability experts across the SPECTRA consortium.
Publish research findings in scientific journals and present results at international conferences.
Work in an interdisciplinary and international research environment addressing circular economy and sustainability challenges.
*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***
Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.