Description du sujet de thèse

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of environmental pollutants. They are extremely resistant and stable, with an amphiphilic nature. As a result, they accumulate in the environment as well as in living organisms. Research on the capture and destruction of PFAS is still in its early stages. Recently, we have developed high-performance adsorbents for the capture of PFAS molecules. Building on our recent work, the HoHa-PFAS project will focus on the development of a unique adsorbent-electrode capable of both capturing and degrading PFAS through a one-step process. This would represent the very first report of sustainable one-step PFAS capture and mineralization.
We are looking for a motivated, curious, and environmentally conscious PhD student to join our research team as part of the HoHa-PFAS project.
The objective of the PhD thesis will be to design an adsorbent-electrode material capable of efficiently capturing PFAS from water and subsequently mineralizing them via anodic electrochemical oxidation, in a sustainable and integrated process.
The PhD candidate will be involved in the following key tasks:
• Synthesis and characterization of electroactive adsorbent materials.
• Adsorption studies of PFAS and electrochemical performance testing.
• Integration of materials into a suitable electrochemical reactor.
• Analytical monitoring of PFAS and their transformation products (chromatography, mass spectrometry, toxicity tests).

Contexte de travail

The European Institute of Membranes (ENSCM, UM, CNRS UMR5635) is an internationally recognized laboratory in the field of membrane materials and processes. Its research objectives are based on a multidisciplinary and multi-scale approach focused on:

the development and characterization of new membrane materials;
their implementation in membrane processes, with applications in areas such as wastewater treatment, gas separation, and biotechnologies related to food and health sciences.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

The candidate must have a Master's or Engineering Degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics-Chemistry or related field. He/she must have good skills and a taste for experimental work in the laboratory. He / she must have excellent writing and communication skills, be able to demonstrate autonomy.

Informations complémentaires

RAS