Missions

As part of a partnership between the European Institute of Membranes (IEM) and MSSA, this project aims to understand the formation mechanisms of specific compounds in an industrial process. The study will rely on a combined approach of advanced characterization, literature analysis, and real-condition experimentation.
Main Objective:
Investigate the thermodynamic, kinetic, and operational conditions influencing the formation of certain compounds in an industrial environment, in order to optimize processes and improve their control.

Activités

The recruited postdoctoral researcher will split their time between IEM (Montpellier) and the MSSA industrial site. Their missions will include:
1. Literature Review
Conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify known formation mechanisms of similar compounds in comparable industrial environments.
Analyze key parameters (temperature, pressure, composition, atmosphere) influencing these mechanisms.
2. Characterization and Analysis
Characterize the compounds formed at different stages of the process using advanced techniques:
- XRD (X-ray diffraction) for structural analysis.
- ICP-MS for elemental composition.
- SEM/EDX and TEM for morphology and element distribution.
- TGA/DTA for thermal analysis and stability.
- XPS for surface chemical state.
Study the physicochemical behavior of compounds under industrial conditions (solubility, dispersion, reactivity).
3. Experimentation and Optimization
Reproduce industrial conditions in the laboratory to validate the identified formation mechanisms.
Test adjustments to operational parameters (temperature, duration, composition) to understand their impact on compound formation.
Evaluate technical solutions to optimize the process (adjusting conditions, modifying materials, etc.).
4. Synthesis and Recommendations
Write a final report integrating:
- Results from the literature review and characterizations.
- Conclusions on formation mechanisms.
- Concrete recommendations for process optimization.
Present results during technical and scientific meetings.

Compétences

PhD in materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or process engineering.
Experience in advanced material characterization (XRD, SEM/EDX, XPS, TGA/DTA, ICP).
Knowledge of industrial processes and chlorinated environments.
Ability to work in close collaboration between laboratory (IEM) and industrial site (MSSA).
Scientific rigor, autonomy, and ability to write reports and publications.

Contexte de travail

Main Location: European Institute of Membranes (IEM, Montpellier), a joint research unit (CNRS/University of Montpellier/ENSCM).
Environment: Multidisciplinary team of 55 permanent researchers, 100 PhD students/post-docs, and 24 engineers/technicians.
Collaboration: Close synergy with MSSA for industrial trials and overall project coordination.

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

RAS

Informations complémentaires

RAS