Develop and apply new photocatalyst composites

Investigate combinations of catalysts and supports to develop robust, re-usable photocatalyst materials. Explore catalyst functionalization and modification strategies to improve light utilization, reaction kinetics, and production rates. Gain experience with a wide variety of synthetic techniques, then characterize materials before and after composite application. Identify leading composite candidates and scale production for wastewater treatment and solar reforming applications.

Investigate solar reforming of real and model waste

Using standard photocatalyst materials, explore solar reforming on a variety of model waste compounds. Characterize and quantify organic by-products and H2 production rates to gain insight on how waste composition and solvent matrix affect the reforming process. Investigate physical and chemical pre-treatment methods on real and model waste compounds to expand the scope of solar reforming application.

Build and optimize solar reforming reactors

Design reactors for optimized solar reforming by incorporating light management, gas collection, continuous operation, and feedback control. Model reactor performance supported by empirical data and investigate how design can improve waste treatment, value generation, process rates, and resilience under natural operating conditions. Perform technoeconomic analyses to predict the value of solar reforming systems in a technological transition.

Join Us

All available research positions have currently been filled, but we are constantly looking for talented researchers that may augment our team in the future.

Position requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in: Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science or related disciplines
  • Practical skills in one of the three theme areas listed above
    • Wet-chemistry laboratory techniques
    • Materials or chemical synthesis and characterization methods
    • Reactor design, modelling, and fabrication
  • Friendly attitude and ability to work with a diverse team of staff, students, and visitors

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be considered an asset:

  • Chemical characterization techniques: HPLC, NMR, GC, etc.
  • Materials characterization techniques: SEM, TEM, ATR-FTIR, UV/Vis Reflectance, XRD, etc.
  • Heterogenous photocatalyst preparation and/or application
  • Physics modelling software: COMSOL
  • Computer Aided Design and manufacturing: Solidworks, AutoCAD, 3D printing, CNC milling, etc.

To apply, please contact Stuart by email at linleys@mcmaster.ca with:

  1. CV
  2. Transcript
  3. Brief personal statement expressing your interests and intentions in working with our group

Engineering at McMaster is a highly diverse and accepting work environment cultivating a culture of Inclusive Excellence. The Linley Lab is committed to contributing to and improving this initiative, and recognizes the unique contributions you can bring from your education, culture, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientaion, nation of origin, age, religion, disability, and beliefs.