M/F CDD PhD position: Development of catalytic materials for the electro-conversion of CO2 to produce C2 oxygenates
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 mounth
- BAC+5
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
01/09/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 18 June 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
The electrochemical conversion of CO₂ is a promising technology for addressing the major challenges associated with the energy transition and carbon neutrality. By transforming CO₂, a stable and abundant molecule, into high-value-added chemicals, this approach enables the storage of renewable energy in a dense and usable form. However, the thermodynamic and kinetic barriers associated with CO₂ reduction require the development of high-performance, selective catalysts. In this context, the collaborative SUN2CN (EIC-Pathfinder) project aims to design innovative catalytic materials for the electroconversion of CO₂ into oxygenated multi-carbon molecules, which are key to the chemical industry. These compounds, which are more complex than conventional C1 or C2 products (such as ethylene or CO), pose a major scientific challenge due to their formation mechanism.
The successful candidate will perform the following tasks: - 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 promoting the formation of C–C bonds, using in situ techniques (spectroscopy, electrochemistry). - Optimization of electrolysis cells: Designing electrolyzers incorporating the developed catalysts, coupled with renewable energy sources (e.g., photovoltaics), for efficient and sustainable CO₂ conversion. - Sustainability assessment: Analyzing the stability of catalysts and their long-term selectivity under real operating conditions. - Dissemination of results in the form of articles, patents, and presentations.
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-022 |
|---|---|
| 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.
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