Missions

The first task of the project concerns the study of the super-reduction process in solution (and potentially in the solid state), as well as the elucidation of the charge distribution (e⁻/H⁺) within the structures of super-reduced POMs. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of complementary techniques and chemical methods necessary for the multi-scale characterization of the super-reduction.

The second task of the project focuses on the investigation of the physico-chemical properties of super-reduced polyoxometalates in solution. This part involves in-depth studies in aqueous solutions, ranging from the examination of their hydrolytic stability to their supramolecular behavior (chaotropic/kosmotropic nature, ion-pairing properties).

The final task of the project aims to study the ability of super-reduced POMs to act as innovative precursors for constructing increasingly complex molecular architectures, whether purely inorganic or hybrid organic-inorganic molecules.

Activities

The entire work of this postdoctoral contract will be based on detailed characterizations conducted either in our laboratory (single-crystal X-ray diffraction, multinuclear NMR, electrochemistry, UV-Vis, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, IR, and ICP) or at synchrotrons (XANES/EXAFS, SAXS, or serial crystallography).

Skills

- Strong interest in experimental laboratory work
- Motivation and passion for fundamental sciences
- Scientific rigor, dynamism, adaptability, and teamwork

Work Context

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are electro-active molecules studied for their potential applications in various fields, including energy, health, environment, and quantum technologies. POMs can be simply described as discrete metal oxides composed of corner- and edge-sharing pseudo-octahedral MO6 units, where M represents an early transition metal with a d0 electronic configuration (V5+, Mo6+, and W6+). Filling the non-bonding dxy orbitals of these metal centers allows for the storage of multiple electrons in POM-based structures. In reality, this capacity constitutes their most remarkable property, making them particularly relevant for the development of energy storage devices (batteries), catalytic processes, or molecular electronics (qubits and flash memories). In this context, understanding how injected electrons influence the structures and properties of POMs represents a research area that connects fundamental questions to practical interests. This postdoctoral contract will be funded by an ANR JCJC program led by Clément FALAISE.

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.