Missions

Nanomaterials exhibit properties that differ significantly from those of bulk materials and are central to numerous fundamental and applied research fields. However, the control of their synthesis remains limited by an incomplete understanding of the elementary phenomena governing nanoparticle nucleation and growth. In the specific case of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, used as functional components in various systems, the formation kinetics are extremely fast and occur on very small spatial and temporal scales. This makes it difficult to access the fundamental data required to control their size, morphology, and final properties. Furthermore, nanoparticle handling raises important environmental and health concerns, making the development of safe synthesis processes that avoid direct manipulation a major challenge for the scientific community.
The SynoMenc project aims to improve the understanding of nucleation and growth phenomena for ZnO nanoparticles formed under conditions comparable to those of the innovative Direct Liquid Reactor-Injector (DLRI) process. This process, developed by the project partners, allows in situ synthesis of nanoparticles directly integrated into nanocomposite fabrication, thus avoiding direct particle handling. However, in situ and operando characterizations of the DLRI are not yet available, limiting access to the fundamental data needed to describe nanoparticle formation.
The goal of the postdoctoral project is therefore to continue the acquisition of fundamental experimental data on the nucleation and growth of ZnO nanoparticles by systematically studying the influence of ligands and solvents used in synthesis. This work will establish correlations between experimental conditions and particle formation mechanisms, paving the way for improved control over nanocomposite fabrication processes.

Activities

• Design and carry out in situ/operando milli-/microfluidic reactive experiments relevant to the DLRI process.
• Implement and optimize ZnO nanoparticle synthesis under controlled conditions.
• Perform optical measurements (UV-Vis, PL) and kinetic monitoring; process and model data (regressions, multivariate analyses).
• Lead or coordinate nanomaterial characterization (TEM/HRTEM, SAXS/WAXS, NMR).
• Ensure data traceability, critical analysis of results, and the writing of reports, presentations, and scientific articles.
• Work closely with project partners (LGC, LCC, SOFTMAT, LAPLACE); participate in SynoMenc consortium meetings.
• Apply and promote good EHS practices related to nanomaterials and organic solvents.

Skills

Required degree
• PhD in chemistry, chemical engineering, physical chemistry, or a related field, defended before the start date.
Essential technical skills
• Proven experience in nanoparticle synthesis (preferably via organometallic routes) and/or reactive microfluidics.
• Proficiency in optical measurements (UV-Vis, PL) and kinetic data processing.
• Knowledge of nanomaterial characterization techniques (TEM/HRTEM, SAXS/WAXS, surface NMR) – mastery of at least two expected.
• Data analysis proficiency (Python/Matlab/R) and statistics (regressions, multivariate analyses).
Additional assets
• Professional English (minimum B2 level required); operational French appreciated (or willingness to acquire it).
• Awareness of EHS aspects related to nanomaterials and organic solvents; adherence to good laboratory practices.
• Strong motivation for interdisciplinary and collaborative work.

Work Context

The consortium and research setting:
The SynoMenc project, funded by the FERMAT Federation, brings together four Toulouse-based laboratories: LGC, LCC, SOFTMAT, and LAPLACE, within an interdisciplinary consortium dedicated to studying nanoparticle formation and developing nanomaterial manufacturing processes.
The postdoctoral researcher will be based jointly at the Laboratoire de Génie Chimique (LGC) and the Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination (LCC), offering a stimulating scientific environment at the interface of chemistry and process engineering, with direct access to the experimental platforms of partner laboratories.

Constraints and risks

• Handling of nanomaterials, requiring strict adherence to EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) protocols.
• Use of organic solvents and sensitive reagents: rigorous application of laboratory best practices and work under fume hoods.