Description du sujet de thèse

Development of microfluidic systems for the analysis of heavy metals in industrial effluents from the recycling of electronic waste.
The aim of this project is to develop a microsystem combining on-line pre-treatment and analysis of effluents loaded with metallic species under continuous flow conditions. The aim is to combine various original functions within a single system: (i) a dielectrophoretic particle filter, (ii) a pH sensor/modifier and an electrochemical oxygen filter, and (iii) a microchannel for electrophoretic separation and metal detection. The system's autonomy will be ensured by real-time characterisation of the sample, including pH determination and elimination of matrix interferents. Cr, Pb, As, Cd and Hg will be the system's main targets, given their prevalence in the sector of activity under consideration, with an objective quantification limit of 0.1 µg/L for each species. One of the aims of the project is also to propose a microsystem that meets the quality control criteria required for the target application.
In terms of equipment, the laboratory has a technological platform dedicated to 3D printing for electrochemical detection using stereolithography for a resolution compatible with microfluidic applications. To carry out the project, the student will have access to tools for electrochemical measurements, microfluidic manipulation (flow controllers, C4D detector) and electrophoretic separation for the monitoring of target metals, as well as for the miniaturisation of these processes.

Contexte de travail

The Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Microbiology for Materials and the Environment (LCPME) is a multidisciplinary unit which focuses its research on the study of mineral and biological interfaces in aqueous environments. The main objective aims to better understand the reactivity of solid surfaces (mineral phases, organo-mineral hybrids, nanomaterials or biological objects) in contact with aqueous media, with the desire to take into account the structural and reaction heterogeneities of the systems studied at different spatial scales, and with potential repercussions in the field of environment and materials.The unit combines disciplines relating to physico-chemistry (spectroscopies and electrochemistry) and microbiology (microbial interfaces and adhesion of microorganisms).
The laboratory is located at 405 rue de Vandoeuvre, 54600 Villers-lès-Nancy.