Doctoral thesis (M/F) Development of new recyclable organic photocatalysts with broad redox windows that can be activated under visible light for advanced photopolymerisation

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Photopolymerisation is now a key technology in many sectors (coatings, 3D printing, microelectronics, biomaterials) due to its speed, energy efficiency and compatibility with environmentally friendly processes. The emergence of organic photocatalysis under visible light opens up new prospects for replacing conventional systems.
In this context, this project aims to design a new family of photosensitive organic compounds that can be activated by simple visible LED sources. These compounds will feature:
• wide redox windows,
• high redox potentials in the excited state,
• the ability to promote thermodynamically demanding and opposing redox reactions (oxidation and reduction),
• great versatility as universal photocatalysts (PCs) for polymer synthesis.
The aim is to offer an innovative molecular platform for the development of new-generation photoinitiators, adapted to modern radical, cationic and hybrid polymerisation processes. This ambitious project aims to establish a new generation of universal organic photocatalysts for sustainable photopolymerisation, combining molecular innovation, mechanistic understanding and application development.
Required profile:
• Candidate (M/F) with a Master's degree or engineering degree in organic chemistry, photochemistry or polymer chemistry
• Strong skills in organic synthesis and characterisation techniques
• Interest in photochemistry, catalysis and polymer materials
• Autonomy, scientific rigour and ability to work in a team
• Good level of scientific English
Experience in photochemistry would be an asset.

Your Work Environment

The thesis will be carried out at the Mulhouse Institute of Materials Science (https://www.is2m.uha.fr/), in the Molecular Photochemistry and Photopolymerisation department, renowned for its expertise in:
• designing innovative photoinitiators,
• photochemistry under visible and NIR light,
• developing advanced functional materials.
The PhD student (M/F) will benefit from a high-level scientific environment with numerous interactions with academic partners within the framework of the project and access to state-of-the-art equipment.
The PhD student will be affiliated to the Université de Haute-Alsace doctoral school.
IS2M is located in a dynamic region on the border with Germany and Switzerland, 20 minutes from Basel-Mulhouse Airport and accessible by public transport.
Employee benefits: partial reimbursement of transport costs and/or mobility allowance, contribution to supplementary health insurance, permanent training.

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