Missions

The PROMIZE project is dedicated to the innovative development of zeolite/MOF-polymer hybrid materials via unique photopolymerization approach. Its core mission is to design advanced and disruptive hybrid mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) that are mechanically, thermally, and chemically stable, offering cost-effective solutions with high-end performance capabilities for CO2 removal and the purification of CH4 and H2-rich gas feeds. These objectives align with industrially relevant conditions encompassing humidity, temperature, flow, and pressures. PROMIZE employs a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating innovative synthesis strategies such as nanozeolites without structure directing agents and most promising MOFs, high-resolution sorptiometry, and state-of-the-art material characterization. It pursues to (i) design disruptive zeolite/MOF hybrid MMMs optimized for capacity, selectivity, and separation efficiency, (ii) utilize advanced characterization tools for highly accurate and reliable lab-scale data, (iii) assess separation performance and mechanical behavior under realistic conditions, setting clear benchmarks, and (iv) address the synthesis-properties-performance trilemma for the advancement of photopolymerized MMMs. This project introduces a novel photopolymerization process leading to accelerated membrane preparation, precise control over dimensions, multilayers formation and versatility in membrane thickness. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize membrane preparation and broaden the usable materials spectrum for real-world gas separation applications. PROMIZE operates at two distinct levels, with a proven proof-of-concept at the lab-scale and a highly complementary multidisciplinary synthesis-characterization strategy. PROMIZE aligns with global efforts to advance competitive and environmentally efficient separation processes, addressing the production of pure gases and GHG mitigation while promoting enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability

Activités

The first part of the project will be devoted to the preparation of different zeolite-polymer MMMs using identified potent zeolites (chabazite CHA, linde type L LTL, gismondine GIS and zeolite RHO) and to prepare MOFs-polymer MMMs using promising MOFs (iUO-66 and CALF-20) for CO2 capture and separation in realistic gas mixtures. It includes the synthesis, functionalization and the characterization of the starting porous materials and the MMMs. Based on these results, the second part of the project will implement necessary optimizations and adjustments to enhance the separation performance of the membranes via a cycling incremental approach to fine-tune the selectivity, working capacity and stability of the top-performing MMMs. Finally, towards the conclusion of the project timeline, membranes incorporating multiple layers using a combination of fillers and/or polymers will be proposed based on the most successful compositions and results. The composition of each layer, as well as the final thickness of the multilayer MMMs, will be thoroughly adjusted to best fit the envisioned applications.

Compétences

• Must hold a Ph.D. in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field involving materials science, polymers, adsorption, diffusion, and/or mass transfer in confined media.
• Must have relevant experience in synthesis and functionalization of materials in a broad sense.
• Strong experience in related nanoporous material characterization is highly desirable (e.g., IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, gas adsorption, NMR, etc.).
• Experience in the synthesis of zeolitic and MOF materials is a significant advantage.
• Should be familiar with adsorption science and experimental techniques for characterizing pore networks (e.g., gas physisorption, DVS, multi-nuclear NMR, dynamic sorption, etc.).
• We seek a highly motivated candidate capable of collaborating within an interdisciplinary team.
• Must be proficient in oral and written communication.
• Fluency in English is essential.

Contexte de travail

The work will be carried out at LCS - Laboratoire Catalyse & Spectrochimie (https://www.lcs.ensicaen.fr) located in Caen (Normandy) and involves frequent discussions and presentations with other French partners, namely the Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM) and the Laboratoire Matériaux Polymères Interfaces Environnement Marin (MAPIEM).
The LCS has built its reputation on the preparation of zeolites and related porous materials, operando spectroscopy and catalysis. Combining very strong poles in synthesis of porous materials and spectroscopy. The selected candidate will be attached to UMR6506.