Description of the thesis topic

We aim to elucidate the relationship between the chiral hierarchical mesostructures with controlled morphologies and sized and their various properties (optical, morphological, electromagnetic), particularly focusing on their relationship with spin selectivity. The objective is to correlate the knowledge of strong “chiral” properties based on various measurables in order to design materials for more efficient electrocatalytic reactions.
The use of spintronics, to take advantage of the coupling of charge and spin, allows precise controlling of electrochemical reactions by enhancing the efficiency of the selected reaction pathways, and suppresses the unwanted by-product through spin polarization and has been object of the intense investigation in recent years.
Chirality is a property of asymmetry resulting for an object in the non-superposition of its image in a mirror. The notion of symmetry breaking, inherent in the organization of matter, the formation of new structural features, and more fundamentally weak interactions, is omnipresent. The synergy between chiral electrocatalysts and various factors like electron spin, charge transfer, and adsorption mechanisms introduces a new dimension of controlling electrocatalytic reactions such as water splitting and CO2 reduction reactions. Recent advancements in the Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) effect, a spin filtering effect observed with chiral molecules, have revealed a direct link between spin orientation and the inherent chirality of catalysts Electrocatalytic reactions. Remarkably, the controlled manipulation of electron spin polarization at the chiral catalyst's surface has showcased significant potential in enhancing both reaction kinetics and product selectivity during the photo- and electrochemical processes, exhibiting a totally new concept for developing carbon neutral electrocatalysis systems. However, there remains a number of unanswered questions concerning how to design the optimized electrocatalytic systems taking advantage of chiral systems exhibiting the most efficient CISS effect.
In this project, we create a truly interdisciplinary collaborative consortium between groups specialized in Nanochiral structures, Electrocatalysis, and CISS effect, in order to elucidate the relationship between the chiral hierarchical mesostructures and their various properties (optical, morphological, electromagnetic), particularly focusing on their relationship with spin selectivity. The objective is to correlate the knowledge of strong “chiral” properties based on various measurables in order to design materials for more efficient electrocatalytic reactions. We will focus on chiral materials spanning from the nanoscale to the mesoscale - the critical size range, akin to the wavelength of light, difficult to assess both from bottom-up and top-down approaches— through hierarchical construction, combining chiral molecules and supra/macro molecules, crystals and inorganic nanostructures. Materials exhibiting a finely tuned periodicity and hierarchy will be of particular interest. We will experimentally and theoretically elucidate the relationship between such materials expressing hierarchical chiral properties and chiral fields.
We will then explore the theoretical foundations of the CISS effect, emphasizing its crucial role in catalyzing electrochemical reactions and facilitating efficient long-range electron transfer across catalyst surfaces

Work Context

The candidate should have good expertise in colloid chemistry, nanomaterials and the notion of chirality as well as organic chemistry. The candidate should have experiences in UV, IR, CD, VCD, and CPL spectroscopy as well as microscopy techniques (TEM, SEM, OM). The applicant is expected to be highly motivated and to work independently with a strong work ethic. As it is an international project and our group also being strongly international, proficiency in English language is a requirement.