Surfaces of Intermetallic Catalysts: Surface Diffraction, Surface Science, and Density Functional Theory (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Context : Greenhouse gas emissions drive climate change, leading to record-breaking temperatures, extreme weather events, and urgent calls for stronger climate action worldwide. Carbon dioxide is one of the most significant greenhouse gases. The primary objective of this project is to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and environmental compatibility of CO2 reduction to methanol through the development of advanced catalytic materials chosen among intermetallic compounds.
Intermetallic catalysts stand out for their exceptional stability and diverse atomic and electronic structures. This versatility allows them to perform efficiently under harsh conditions, offering unique catalytic behaviors. Their structural diversity makes them ideal for tailoring high-performance catalysts for a wide range of chemical reactions, with strong potential in both industrial and environmental applications.

Objectives : This PhD thesis seeks to reveal fundamental surface structure-property relationships by bridging state-of-the-art experiments with predictive computational methods.

Techniques/methods in use: Density Functional Theory, Surface X-ray Diffraction, Surface Science

Applicant skills: Strong background in chemistry, physical chemistry, materials science, or condensed matter physics. Experience in surface science, crystallography, Python programming, and/or quantum chemistry will be considered an asset. Excellent communication skills are essential, with the ability to work and exchange ideas effectively both orally and in writing. English speaking is required. The application should include a statement of research interest, a CV and Master's degree
transcript

Your Work Environment

The Institute Jean Lamour (IJL) is a joint research unit of CNRS and Université de Lorraine.
Focused on materials and processes science and engineering, it covers: materials, metallurgy, plasmas, surfaces, nanomaterials and electronics.
By 2025, IJL has 259 permanent staff (34 researchers, 133 teacher-researchers, 92 IT-BIATSS) and 374 non-permanent staff (136 doctoral students, 48 post-doctoral students / contractual researchers and more than 190 trainees), from some sixty different nationalities.
Partnerships exist with 150 companies and our research groups collaborate with more than 60 countries throughout the world.
Its exceptional instrumental platforms are spread over 4 sites ; the main one is located on Artem campus in Nancy.
The thesis will take place within Research Group 102, "Plasmas, Processes, and Surfaces."

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