DESCRIPTION: The University of Limerick (UL) with over 11,000 students and 1,300, staff is a young, energetic and enterprising University with a proud record of innovation in education and excellence in research and scholarship. UL is situated on a superb riverside campus of over 130 hectares with the River Shannon as a unifying focal point. Outstanding recreational, cultural and sporting facilities further enhance this exceptional learning and working environment.
DIBANET, an EU FP7 project will commence in July 1st 2009. This project involves collaboration in the field of second generation biofuels research between 13 partners, 6 from the EU and 7 from Latin America. It will build on the key, complementary, strengths of EU and LA researchers and industries to advance this field. This enhancement of co-operation will ensure that the whole process, from feedstock to process residues, is engineered for maximum efficiency. The links between regions is further enhanced by the establishment of a scholarship for LA students. Applications are invited from Latin American citizens for a 3 year PhD project as part of DIBANET.
RESEARCH PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
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Assessment of Ionic Liquids (ILs) as a pre-treatment for ligno-cellulosic biomass conversion processes. ILs swell the biomass making it more amenable for conversion. The effect of ILs on biomass swelling will be assessed. ILs that affect maximum “swelling” of the biomass most rapidly and under the least energy intensive process conditions will be selected for further evaluation.
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Development of appropriate solid acid catalysts (heteropolyacids) for utilisation in biomass conversion processes. Heteropolyacids with Wells–Dawson (WD) structure and silica-supported will be synthesized by standard procedure. The catalysts produced will be characterized by 31P and 1H MAS-NMR, XRD and FTIR measurements.
REQUIREMENTS:
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Must be from a Latin American country.
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Honours degree in Chemistry.
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Experience in Analytical techniques.
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Proficient in the English language.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills are desirable.
Funding is available to cover Student Stipend, fees and consumables. The candidate will need to apply for a study visa.
The duration of the project is 36 months. All applicants should send a cover letter and CV to fp7dibanet@gmail.com The closing deadline for this position is August 31st 2009.
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