Missions

Context
Liquid-liquid extraction processes are now essential in the mining industry for the selective separation of strategic metals. However, the solvents and organic compounds traditionally used have significant environmental limitations due to their volatility and toxicity.
In this context, deep eutectic solvents (DES) appear to be a more sustainable alternative: low volatility, increased stability, high flash points, and promising performance. However, their use is still emerging and requires fundamental and applied research for their optimization, better understanding and industrialization.
The project aims to develop and characterize new “reactive” hydrophilic and lipophilic DES for the selective extraction of metals (e.g., tungsten from scheelite), incorporating innovative approaches such as ultrasound and microwave activation.
This project is part of the PEPR InnovTech program: Innovative and sustainable technologies for the responsible exploitation of underground mineral resources.
Main tasks
• Design and develop new hydrophilic and lipophilic DES for selective metal extraction and separation in relation to the environmental challenges of mining.
• Investigate leaching and extraction mechanisms in these unconventional media (complexation, structuring, kinetics, thermodynamics).
• Explore hybrid systems combining DES and conventional extractants with a view to achieving synergies in terms of efficiency.
• Optimize operating conditions (ultrasound, microwave activation) to improve selectivity and efficiency.
• Evaluate extraction and separation performance using ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and X-ray fluorescence.
• Correlate extraction performances with the physico-chemical and structural properties of the solvents

Activities

• Synthesis and formulation: preparation of hydrophilic and lipophilic DES, adjustment of compositions and properties.
• Physico-chemical characterization: density, viscosity, surface tension, titrations, IR, NMR, Raman spectroscopies, X-ray and neutron scattering.
• Extraction experiments: leaching, extraction, back-extraction in aqueous phase, selective precipitation.
• Performance evaluation: analytical monitoring of metals using ICP and XRF, assessment of efficiency and selectivity.
• Method development: implementation of innovative activation techniques (ultrasound, microwave), kinetic and thermodynamic optimization.
• Scientific dissemination: writing scientific articles, conference presentations, technology monitoring.

Skills

Required skills
Education: Engineering degree/PhD in chemistry, materials chemistry, chemical processes, analytical chemistry, or related field.
Technical skills:
• Solid background in coordination chemistry, chemistry.
• Experience in physico-chemical characterization techniques.
• Knowledge of liquid–liquid extraction processes would be a strong asset.

Soft skills:
• Experimental rigor and critical analysis skills.
• Autonomy, scientific creativity, and a sense of innovation.
• Good knowledge of scientific English (spoken and written).
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and to promote research results.

Work Context

The ICSM conducts research aimed at developing disruptive technologies in the field of separation chemistry that can be applied to the entire current and future nuclear cycle, respond to the challenges of mining resource exploitation, and be extended to the challenges of the circular economy. The Institute's ambition is to advance chemistry and physical chemistry in the service of energy processes and materials, from mining to recycling, taking into account the life cycle of materials. All of the expertise gathered at the ICSM (organic and inorganic chemists, radiochemists, physicochemists, theorists, etc.) will contribute to the project, which combines experimental development, physicochemistry, and multiscale modeling for the implementation of innovative extraction technologies aimed at processing complex, polymetallic, and unconventional resources while respecting the principles of water and energy conservation, as well as the conservation of reagents and ecotoxic waste.
This position is in a sector subject to the “protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST)” and therefore, in accordance with regulations, requires your arrival to be authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Constraints and risks

This position is in a sector subject to the “protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST)” and therefore, in accordance with regulations, requires your arrival to be authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.