Description of the thesis topic

Recruited at CNRS within the IC2MP (Institute of Chemistry of Environments and Materials of Poitiers), the candidate will be working on an exciting ERC Starting Grant funded project ConCASM.
The activation of small molecules such as CO2, CH4, NH3, etc.… with high bond dissociation energy at mild reaction conditions requires that we developed highly active catalytic materials in synergy with alternative technologies. In this context, high-frequency ultrasound is merging as a promising technology in synergy with catalysis for activating molecules at lower temperatures, thus improving the overall productivity of the process. However, the nucleation of cavitation bubbles still remains an energy-intensive and stochastic process. The coupling of catalysis with high-frequency ultrasound offers a promising but yet unexplored possibilities for controlling the nucleation and formation of cavitation bubbles, towards an energy-efficient activation of small molecules.
Tha aim of this thesis is to study the effect of surface-engineered catalytic materials in nucleating and controlling the formation of cavitation bubbles. The candidate will study the interactions of these surface nucleated bubbles with catalytic materials. The dynamics of bubble nucleation and interactions on the physico-chemical properties of the surface-structured materials will be investigated. The stability of these controlled surface-engineered materials under utrasound irradiation will be key. The candidate will perform detailed quantification and analysis of bubble generation and other relevant analyses using high-speed camera visualisations, particle image velocimetry, cavitometer, etc.. Ultrasound induced cataytic activation of small molecules will also be investigated.
The candidate will be responsible for the following activities:
• Design and synthesis of surface-structured catalytic materials with novel designs and improved catalyic activities.
• Physico-chemical characterization of synthesized materials (Particle image velocimetry, XRD, nitrogen sorption, SEM, TEM, XPS, TGA, AFM, etc.). Other characterizations will be carried out in collaboration with academic partners and industrial partners of the project.
• Perform in-situ visualisation of bubble formation and interactions with catalytic solid materials
• Use a plethora of softwares for analysis, e.g., MATLAB, Image J, etc.
• Presentation of results at consortium progress meetings.
• Preparation of reports (bibliographical and progress reports) and publications.
• Participation in the drafting of new research projects.
The expected skills are those of a Master degree in chemistry, Physics chemical engineering or heterogeneous catalysis. Imperative skills in the synthesis of structured inorganic catalytic materials will be advantageous. The candidate is expected to be curious and imaginative. They must also have : Very good knowledge of physico-chemical analysis techniques, Excellent ability to critically analyze experimental data, Strong skills in writing and communicating scientific results, A very good level of written/oral English, ability to use analytical softwares such as MATLAB.

Work Context

At CNRS, the candidate will work in Poitiers within the Institute of Chemistry of Environments and Materials of Poitiers (IC2MP). IC2MP is an interdisciplinary research unit - UMR 7285 CNRS University of Poitiers (https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/). Research at IC2MP is part of an overall approach to eco-design, which includes (1) the synthesis of materials and molecules using atom and energy-efficient processes (catalysis, alternative technologies, bio-solvents, renewable energies, etc.) and (2) the transfer and bioaccumulation of organic molecules in ecosystems. In this project, the candidate will join the "Catalysis and Unconventional Environments" team (MEDIACAT), specialized in coupling catalysis with alternative activations techniques for converting renewable carbon into specialty chemical molecules. IC2MP provides the working environment (research team, equipment, platforms, etc.) for the success of this mission, which involves researchers from the MEDIACAT team as part of a consortium of multiple laboratories. The PhD candidate will be under the supervision of the project coordinator.

Constraints and risks

Standard chemical risk, Exposition to high frequency ultrasound, Short mision. The candidate will be subject to the laboratory's internal regulations regarding all hygiene and safety rules. Occasional missions in France or abroad are possible.

Additional Information

Applications should include a detailed CV and a motivation letter in English.