PhD student - COrroding BRAss: dealloying for sustainable electrocatalysts for CO₂ conversion (COBRA) (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Thesis topic (COBRA project) :
The COBRA project aims to identify the dealloying mechanisms in commercial brass in relation to the microstructure of the alloys as part of a collaborative project between GPM-CNRS and Imperial College London. Dealloying refers to the selective dissolution of one or more elements from a metal alloy, typically the less noble ones. In doing so, the material's surface is altered, and through surface diffusion processes, nanoscale ligaments are formed. These nanostructured surfaces have a very high surface-to-volume ratio and thus offer significant potential for catalysis. In the case of brass, this allows zinc to be removed, forming nanoporous copper, and copper is one of the leading candidates for the reduction of CO₂ into chemically active products that can be reused via electrocatalysis.

The project will focus on commercial brasses and aim to advance our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of brass dealloying at the atomic scale, using transmission electron microscopy and atomic force tomography—two of the laboratory's flagship techniques. This will enable the identification of structural and microstructural characteristics of the nanoporous copper resulting from dealloying, and, through collaborative work with Imperial College London, understand the physical mechanisms underlying the influence of composition and surface structure and their impact on the formation of reactive products via electrocatalysis.

Although focused on fundamental aspects, the project will keep an eye on processes with strong potential societal impact, including the potential viability of upcycling end-of-life brass containing impurities.

Your Work Environment

The GPM (Group of Physics of Materials, UMR CNRS 6634) is structured in 5 departments: Metallurgy Microstructures Mechanics, Scientific Instrumentation, Functional Materials and Nanostructures, Disordered Systems and Polymers, Thematic Openings and Innovations.
It brings together 140 staff including 56 Teachers-Researchers, 33 ITAs and 51 PhD students / PostDoct and Trainees. The laboratory is located on the Campus of Sciences and Engineering Rouen Normandy (in Saint Etienne du Rouvray), in the University of Rouen Normandy and INSA Rouen Normandy (7000m2).
The recruited PhD student will be integrated in the « Microscopy & Catalysis» group, embedded within the Department OTI, which stands for Exploratory Themes and Innovation (9 teacher-researchers / researchers, 2 IR, 1 IE, 2 Tech, 1 fixed-term researcher, 1 PhD student). The Department pursues interdisciplinary research across a broad spectrum spanning from health to catalysis to the recycling of energy materials.

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

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.

CNRS

The research professions