PhD position: Mechanochemical synthesis of nanocrystalline metal chalcogenides for efficient energy conversion

We offer a 4-year PhD study position focused on: Mechanochemical synthesis of nanocrystalline metal chalcogenides for efficient energy conversion

Supervisor: RNDr. Matej Baláž, PhD., https://ugt.saske.sk/en/staff/basic-info/?user_no=8905&publication_auth…

Summary: Metal chalcogenides (sulfides, selenides, and tellurides) are currently being intensively researched for their broad-spectrum application in materials science. The most important is their application for energy conversion, especially in electrocatalysis (e.g. production of hydrogen by splitting water), in photocatalysis (decomposition of organic pollutants using light), or as thermoelectric materials (transformation of waste heat into electricity). Nanocrystalline metal chalcogenides are usually prepared via complicated, cost-intensive and environmentally burdensome processes. Mechanochemical synthesis using ball milling represents an environmentally acceptable alternative, as nanocrystalline products can be obtained very quickly (sometimes in seconds) in one step from powdered reactants, without the use of solvents, external heating or elevated pressures. Within the proposed PhD. study, selected metal chalcogenides will be mechanochemically prepared and tested in cooperation with institutions at home and abroad for possible use in the processes mentioned above.

Please, contact the supervisor until June 5, 2023 for further procedures (before the deadline). 

For the application procedure and further information please check the following link:

https://ugt.saske.sk/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/PhD-2023-EN…