Missions

The mission is part of the PIA4 - PREPAC (Procédés de RÉcupération des Platinoïdes dans l'Aval du Cycle) project, which aims to develop processes for recovering platinum elements (ruthenium, rhodium, palladium), molybdenum and technetium from spent nuclear fuel treatment-recycling plants. The main objectives of the project are: to reduce the quantity and hazardousness of final waste; to obtain separate streams of platinoids downstream from the process, with a view to the industrial recovery and reuse of these critical elements. More specifically, the proposed mission will explore two avenues:
- optimization of Rh solubilization during dissolution of model residues, in order to enable subsequent separation
- development of a method for the selective dissolution of Rh from model residues.

Activités

The researcher will appropriate the state of the art as well as previous knowledge and results obtained within the project consortium and the host team, in particular through participation in the supervision of a 3rd year PhD student also involved in the PREPAC project. The researcher will produce model residues using a method developed by the host team, and will continue to characterize these materials. The researcher will have to propose and test original methods to achieve quantitative solution of the elements of interest to the project (in particular Rh). At this stage, all activation methods are envisaged (chemical, microwave, hydrothermal, ultrasonic, etc.). Methods for selective dissolution of platinum elements based on their different chemical properties should also be tested.

Compétences

PhD. in analytical chemistry, process engineering or materials chemistry. Knowledge of nuclear fuel cycle chemistry and materials will also be appreciated. Good oral and written communication skills, in English and French, and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment with different teams.

Contexte de travail

The researcher will be attached to the Laboratoire des Interfaces de Matériaux en Evolution within the Institut de Chimie Séparative de Marcoule (ICSM, UMR 5257, CEA/CNRS/UM/ENSCM). This study is being carried out in close collaboration with CEA Marcoule's Departement of Research on Mining and fuel Recycling processes (ISEC/DMRC), which is leading the PREPAC project.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

The researcher will have to undergo radiation protection training in order to be authorized to work in a laboratory classified for radioprotection.