Missions

The post-doctoral fellow will be in charge of the synthesis and application of heterogeneous catalysts dedicated to C-C coupling reactions.

Activités

The aim of this project is to create an innovative sequential microreactor, composed of two types of connected microcolumns, one dedicated to continuous flow catalysis and the other enabling in-line separation. The implementation of the catalytic microcolumn will be based on the combination of macroporous polymer monoliths (MPM) and chiral porous coordination polymers (or MOFs) (CMOFs), a class of highly porous crystalline hybrid materials constructed by complex coordination assembly. In this system, the MPM will enable underflow catalysis to be carried out at high flow rates while limiting pressure drops. The surface of the MPM will be coated with CMOF nanocrystals, providing a suitable chiral environment for a high density of catalytic sites. The separation column will be composed of MPM whose surface will be functionalized with chiral surface functions. The methodological approach will be as follows: (1) synthesis of the MPM/CMOF hybrid microcolumn through synthesis of the MPM, functionalization of its surface followed by layer-by-layer growth of the CMOFs, (2) evaluation of the performance of the microcolumn obtained in continuous flow catalysis, (3) synthesis and coupling of the separation section. Hybrid microcolumns will be characterized by a variety of physico-chemical techniques, including infrared and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, spectrometry, and the use of a variety of chemical and physical methods.

Compétences

We are looking for a researcher with a PhD in materials chemistry and a strong interest (and knowledge) in the synthesis and physico-chemical characterization of porous materials.

Contexte de travail

The work will be carried out as part of a collaborative ANR project between the Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris-Est (ICMPE), a research group with expertise in polymer science and continuous flow processes, and the Laboratoire de Réactivité de Surface (LRS), a research group with expertise in heterogeneous catalysis and MOFs. Microsystems are unique tools for achieving industrial technological breakthroughs. In particular, continuous-flow microreactors with channels having a hydraulic diameter of less than 1 mm enable improved heat and mass transfer thanks to an increase in surface area compared with volume. Other advantages over traditional batch procedures include precise temperature control, efficient mixing, reduced environmental load and enhanced process safety thanks to minimized quantities of reagents and solvents. Precise control of reaction parameters through on-line monitoring can also be achieved with these systems, which provide a wealth of real-time information on reaction progress, catalytic activity and stability. As far as catalysis is concerned, continuous-flow processes also make it easy to recover catalyst products and minimize catalyst poisoning. In addition, numerous operating parameters, such as temperature, pressure and feed concentrations can be easily and quickly modified in continuous-flow microreactors.