Missions

Bringing together three research groups from the University of Strasbourg with complementary expertise (“Synthesis and Functions of Molecular Architectures” (SFAM), UMR 7140 – CMC; “Energy and Fuels for a Sustainable Environment” (ECED), UMR 7515 – ICPEES; “Organometallics and Catalysis” (OMCAT), UMR 7042 – LIMA), the DeepCatCOF project focuses on two underexplored green aspects of porous materials of covalent-organic-framework (COF) type:
i) the use of an emerging class of green media, deep eutectic solvents (DES) – cousins of ionic liquids – for the synthesis of COFs at lower temperatures and/or in shorter reaction times than under conventional solvothermal conditions (subject of the PhD started in 2024 in the SFAM team)
ii) the controlled incorporation, on the backbone or in the nanopores of these crystalline architectures, of molecular catalysts based on nickel – a highly reactive and versatile first-row-transition metal, as an alternative to rare and toxic metals – to afford new heterogeneous catalysts for alkene hydrosilylation as a first development, then ambitious nickel/photoredox reactions of C(sp2)–C(sp3) or C–O cross-couplings, and ultimately challenging Murahashi-Feringa couplings with organolithium compounds (subject of the postdoctoral position to be started in the OMCAT team).
The project therefore aims to provide alternative catalytic materials produced under green chemistry conditions based on an abundant metal, offering good catalytic activity and recyclability, as well as light-capturing capabilities to enable dual nickel/photoredox catalysis and thus broaden the range of reactions that can be catalyzed.

Activities

- Post-functionalization of COFs prepared by the SFAM team with nickel(0) or nickel(II) species using conventional organometallic synthesis techniques,
- Characterization of the obtained Ni@COF catalytic materials by SEM, TEM, XRD, CP/MAS NMR, ICP-AES, and CHN analyses in collaboration with the ECDE team,
- Study of the catalytic activity of Ni@COF materials in alkene hydrosilylation reactions, photocatalyzed cross-coupling reactions, or reactions involving organolithium compounds,
- Study of the recyclability of the catalytic materials,
- Analysis and interpretation of results,
- Writing of reports and publications,
- Communication of results in internal seminars and conferences.

Skills

We are looking for a candidate with a solid background in organic and organometallic synthetic chemistry, who is highly motivated to work on an interdisciplinary project combining synthetic chemistry, structural and physical characterization of porous materials, and catalytic studies.
- Excellent knowledge and expertise in organic and organometallic synthetic chemistry,
- Ability to work under a controlled atmosphere with water- and oxygen-sensitive species,
- Ability to propose synthesis routes in organic and organometallic chemistry and to evaluate results independently and creatively,
- Experience in homogeneous catalysis and/or photocatalysis and/or supported catalysis,
- Ability to work in interdisciplinary collaboration,
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English: minimum level B2.

Work Context

The work will be carried out at LIMA in Strasbourg, within the “Organometallics and Catalysis” team led by Prof. Vincent Ritleng.
LIMA is a joint unit of the CNRS, the University of Strasbourg, and the University of Haute-Alsace, whose scientific project is to develop innovative methodologies for molecular synthesis for applications ranging from fine and therapeutic chemistry to molecular materials chemistry. The unit is organized into 12 research teams (8 in Strasbourg and 4 in Mulhouse) with a total of around 100 people, and has modern synthesis laboratories with all the equipment and platforms necessary for organic and organometallic chemistry (glove box, MW, NMR, GC, HPLC, TLC-MS, IR, UV, etc.).
This position is funded by an ANR PRC grant entitled “Deep eutectic solvents as media for the preparation of catalytically active covalent organic frameworks” (DeepCatCOF) and will be supervised by Prof. Vincent Ritleng and Dr. Christophe Michon.

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

Minor chemical risks