PhD Student
Email: khanim.aghayeva@etu.unistra.fr
Building R2, N1, Office 04
Keywords: Photocatalysis; Gas-Phase Catalysis; Photocatalytic CO₂ Conversion
Research topics / Missions
My PhD project, supervised by Prof. Valérie Keller (ICPEES, University of Strasbourg), focuses on the photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ in the gas phase to produce value-added chemicals, with a particular interest in C₂ products such as ethylene. The research aims to investigate the role of copper-based catalysts supported on metal oxides, particularly CeO₂ and TiO₂, in improving CO₂ conversion and product selectivity under light irradiation.
The project involves the preparation of Cu-based catalysts by impregnation, the investigation of different catalyst compositions, and the study of the influence of support properties on photocatalytic performance. Particular attention is given to understanding the limitations of gas-phase CO₂ photoreduction and the relationship between catalyst composition, surface properties, and catalytic activity.
Academic background / Experience / Education
- 2026–Present: PhD in Chemistry / Photocatalysis, ICPEES
- Interdisciplinary PhD Project – ITI HiFunMat & MatLight 4.0 Co-funding Programme, University of Strasbourg, France, in collaboration with the IS2M Mulhouse
- Research topic: Solar-driven CO₂ reduction into energy-rich C₂ chemicals.
- 2023–2026: Master’s Degree in Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, UFAZ, Azerbaijan
- 2019–2023: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering, Khazar University, Azerbaijan
Skills
Research methodology; teamwork; heterogenous catalysis
