Missions

This project aims to develop new catalysts (heterogeneous catalysts) and catalytic processes operating under mild reaction conditions to convert aldehydes into alcohols. It is an EU-funded project within the framework of a European project.

Activities

- Conduct a literature review.
- Synthesize various catalysts.
- Characterize the prepared catalysts using standard techniques (XRD, ICP, XPS, HR-TEM, Raman, FTIR, elemental analysis, N2 adsorption). The most active materials will be characterized using advanced techniques and operando spectroscopies.
- Perform catalytic tests (liquid-phase hydrogenation).
- Interpret the results, understand the observed phenomena, and propose practical and effective solutions (selection of the best material and the best configuration of the catalytic process).
- Present the results orally at project progress meetings and conferences in France and abroad. - Write activity reports and scientific publications related to this work.

Skills

The researcher will have defended a PhD in heterogeneous catalysis between 2024 and 2026. Ideally, the researcher will have experience in performing catalytic assays and in analyzing mixtures of organic molecules using liquid and gas chromatography. Additional experience in materials synthesis will be highly valued. Fluency in written and spoken English is required for writing scientific articles and communicating about the research.

Work Context

This project has a strong multidisciplinary character insofar as its development will call upon skills from complementary disciplinary fields, namely chemistry/synthesis of nanomaterials, catalysis and process engineering, while also employing a wide range of analytical techniques that will allow for a detailed characterization of the synthesized catalysts and their application potential. Thus, the multidisciplinary nature of this research project will be a significant asset for the training of the young researcher who will carry out these developments. The project includes collaborations with other laboratories in the Nancy area and abroad, in order to promote the application of research results and create synergies among the partners of the European project. The Lorraine Laboratory of Molecular Chemistry (L2CM) is located at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy campus. The work will primarily be conducted at the L2CM. As part of the project, the researcher will participate in monthly progress meetings organized by the partners, during which they will present their results. They may also be asked to participate in national or international conferences to present the results obtained during the contract period and possibly in thematic schools. The researcher will be supervised by Dr. Robert Wojcieszak and Dr. Nadia Canilho (L2CM). Most of the equipment required for the project is available on-site.

Constraints and risks

No specific constraints

Additional Information

Any