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This project aims to develop a novel method for the transformation of lignin and chitosan into valuable metal-free nitrogen(N)- and/or sulphur(S)-containing carbonaceous photocatalysts. New catalytic materials possessing excellent sonophotocatalytic redox properties to assist continuous flow photo-redox processes in obtaining high-value chemicals from bio-oil-based molecules upgrading. The objective is to prepare metal-free carbon-based photocatalytic materials through the physicochemical effects of low/high-frequency sonication (e.g., effective mass transfer, microstreaming, cross-linked radical polymerization, etc, effects often inaccessible through conventional methods) as a promising pre-treatment step before ending the synthesis of the materials under hydro(solvo)thermal conditions. It will be carried out the study of the physicochemical properties of carbon-based materials (before and after (sono)-(photo)-catalytic test reactions), and testing them in the selective sonophotocatalytic oxidation and C-C sonophoto-reductive coupling of bio-oil-inspired model compounds (in flow liquid-phase) as a futuristic approach of bio-oil-based molecules valorization. Systematic basic research of the effect of green and unconventional source of ultrasonic energy on the pre-treatment of chitosan (precursor of C, N, O)  and lignin (precursor of C, S, O, aromaticity) and its effect on the final material obtained after optimization of hydro(solvo)thermal conditions, will be carried out. To get insight into the mechanism of ultrasound-assisted hydro(solvo)thermal method, the whole spectrum of materials characterization techniques and basic kinetic studies and photocatalysts’ stability/recycling studies (using the appropriate flow (sono)-(photo)-reactors) will be carried out. The use of ultrasound-based procedures offer a facile, versatile synthetic tool for the preparation of nanophotocatalysts, often inaccessible through conventional methods.

The successful candidate will investigate issues related to the synthesis of multicomponent metal-free carbonaceous materials by ultrasound-assisted hydro(solvo)thermal method for bio-oil upgrading through ultrasound-assisted selective redox photo-catalysis in continuous-flow reactors.

Basic responsibilities are as follow:

• Scientific initiative and contribution through regular reporting and publishing, as well as presenting at group meetings, national and international conferences;
• Providing help and supervision to junior members of the group;
• Contribution to the efficient functioning of the lab, including necessary organizational tasks.

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of 10 000 PLN per month financed from the NCN OPUS-20 Project No. 2020/39/B/ST5/00076.  International cooperation with experienced researchers. Autonomous position in the professional and dynamically developing innovative team. The successful candidate is expected to start work within the project: the earliest 01.01.2022, the latest 01.03.2022. 100% of the work time of the postdoc researcher will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project.

The successful candidate will benefit in form of new knowledge and methods added to his/her toolbox. The project deals with photocatalysis, sonochemistry, flow reactors, nanomaterials, and physical chemistry phenomena in general, so any profile of candidate will find some new knowledge to be gained upon realization of the project.

We plan to publish the results of the work in high impact factor journals.

The successful candidate will be able to take advantage of all programs in the IPC PAS, including Young Scientists of IPC PAS competition and Mobility of Young Scientists of IPC PAS competition.

Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.

1. PhD degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, catalysis sciences, obtained no earlier than 7 years before the starting year of the employment in the project (this period might be longer due to family reasons (according to NCN rules).
2. Publication record and rich (mobility) scientific experience.
3. Ability to work independently as well as in a group.
4. Significant research achievements in carbon-based photocatalysis (materials synthesis and characterization), nanostructured materials synthesis, organic chemistry synthesis in particular redox processes, sonochemistry,
5. Familiar with heterogeneous catalysts’ characterization techniques such as: microscopic imaging (SEM and HRTEM), XPS, XRD, chemisorption techniques, DR UV-Vis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, photoluminescence as well as AFM/STM, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Moreover, experience is desired in sonochemistry and flow reactors design/modeling.
6. Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken).
7. Strong motivation to work and pursue scientific questions, creativity, and analytical thinking.
8. Research experience in related fields will be advantageous.
9. Experience in leveraging best practices from research community;
10. Experience in supervising and teaching students.

The Commission will take into account the following criteria:

• competencies of candidates for specific tasks in a research project,
• previous scientific achievements of candidates,
• awards and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the conducted research.
• presented opinions via. recommendation letters.

The commission evaluates applications on a point scale.