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

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).