Ph.D. Student (M/F) in Electrocatalysis

Job Description

Thesis Subject

This thesis topic is part of the PElHyCAN project funded by the ANR. The research will be conducted partly at the Institute of Chemistry of Environments and Materials in Poitiers (IC2MP) and partly at the Chemical Engineering Laboratory (LGC) in Toulouse. The goal is to study the electroreduction reaction of HMF to DMM. The catalytic materials will be synthesized and tested at IC2MP. The active phases of the catalysts will consist of copper nanoparticles deposited on supports such as copper, nickel, or carbon foams. These materials will be thoroughly characterized before and after the electroreduction reaction. The electroreduction of HMF will be carried out at atmospheric pressure and low temperature (T < 60°C). A study of activity and selectivity will be conducted using in situ infrared spectroscopy and H-cell electrolysis to optimize material and energy yields for DMM production. Finally, the best materials will be transferred to the LGC for the development of a high-performance electrosynthesis reactor, a project in which the doctoral student will participate.
In this thesis project, the candidate will be required to:
- Write a literature review highlighting significant advances in the field of HMF electroreduction.
- Synthesize and characterize catalytic materials.
- Conduct electrocatalytic tests using a 3-electrode electrochemical cell, a spectroelectrochemical cell, and an H cell.
- Participate in the development of a high-performance electrosynthesis reactor.
- Analyze and process the data obtained.

Your Work Environment

-The research will be conducted at the Institute of Chemistry of Environments and Materials in Poitiers (IC2MP - UMR CNRS 7285) within the Catalysis and Unconventional Environments team and at the LGC (ENSIACET Toulouse) under the supervision of the principal investigator.
The candidate will be affiliated with the Rosalind Franklin Doctoral School in Poitiers.
The candidate must hold an engineering degree and/or a master's degree in chemistry. The position requires solid knowledge of electrocatalysis, and skills in materials synthesis are preferred. It is also desirable to have strong oral and written communication skills (in English) to present results at international conferences as well as to read and write scientific articles. We are looking for a young researcher who is committed to their project, curious, capable of working independently, and highly motivated. In addition, the candidate must be able to work as part of a team on a multidisciplinary project.
Applications must include a detailed resume; at least two references (who may be contacted); a one-page cover letter; a summary of activities completed during the Master's 2 internship; and transcripts from Master's 1 and 2 or from engineering school.

Constraints and risks

Occasional travel (within France or abroad) for conferences or consortium meetings is to be expected.
The candidate will be subject to the laboratory's internal regulations regarding all health and safety rules.

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

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