M/F CDD PhD position: Development of catalytic materials for the electro-conversion of CO2 to produce C2 oxygenates
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 mounth
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Institut européen des membranes
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
34095 MONTPELLIER
Contract Duration
36 mounth
Date of Hire
01/05/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 23 March 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
Electrochemical conversion of CO₂ is a promising technology for addressing the major challenges associated with energy transition and carbon neutrality. By transforming CO₂, a stable and abundant molecule, into high value-added chemicals, this approach makes it possible to store renewable energy in a dense and usable form. However, the thermodynamic and kinetic barriers associated with CO₂ reduction require the development of high-performance and selective catalysts.
The selected candidate will undertake the following activities:
- Synthesis and characterization of catalysts: Develop hybrid materials (metals, oxides, or composites) optimized for the selective formation of aldehydes, combining theoretical (DFT modeling) and experimental approaches.
- Study of reaction mechanisms: Identify key intermediates and reaction pathways that promote the formation of C–C bonds, using in situ techniques (spectroscopy, electrochemistry).
- Optimization of electrolysis cells: Designing electrolysers incorporating the developed catalysts, coupled with renewable energy sources (e.g., photovoltaics), for efficient and sustainable CO₂ conversion.
- Sustainability assessment: Analyze the stability of catalysts and their long-term selectivity under real operating conditions.
- Promotion of results in the form of internal reports, articles, patents, and communications.
Your Work Environment
The PhD study will be conducted at the European Membrane Institute (Institut Européen des Membranes, IEM, CNRS UMR5635, UM, ENSCM) at the University of Montpellier as part of an international EIC Pathfinder project. The IEM is a leading institute in the field of membrane science with excellent technical support and in-house facilities for membrane fabrication and characterization. The institute is affiliated with the University of Montpellier and is a member of the Pôle Chimie Balard, the Institut Carnot Chimie Balard, and the Labex CheMiSyst. Our group has state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to carrying out the project.
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
2300 € gross monthly
Annual leave and RTT
44 jours
Remote Working practice and compensation
Pratique et indemnisation du TT
Transport
Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€
About the offer
| Offer reference | UMR5635-DAMVOI-021 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Materials, nanomaterials and processes chemistry |
About the CNRS
The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.
Create your alert
Don't miss any opportunity to find the job that's right for you. Register for free and receive new vacancies directly in your mailbox.