PhD Student (M/F): Layered double hydroxide-iron oxide hybrid nanomaterials for the adsorption of short- and ultrashort-chain PFAS: structure-reactivity relationships and interfacial mechanisms
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 months
- BAC+5
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Laboratoire de Chimie Physique et Microbiologie pour les Matériaux et l'Environnement
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
54600 VILLERS LES NANCY
Contract Duration
36 months
Date of Hire
02/11/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 30 September 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a family of persistent contaminants widely found in aquatic environments. Among them, short- and ultrashort-chain PFAS, particularly trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), are highly mobile in water and are difficult to remove using conventional treatment processes. The development of adsorbent materials specifically suited to these compounds therefore represents a major environmental challenge.
This PhD project aims to develop novel hybrid nanomaterials combining layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and iron oxides, in order to exploit the complementary nature of their surface and adsorption properties towards PFAS, while taking advantage of the magnetic properties of magnetite to facilitate material recovery after treatment. Different synthesis strategies and compositions will be investigated to tune the structure and physicochemical and surface properties of the nanohybrids. A key objective will be to determine how the nature, proportion and organization of the different phases, together with the properties of the resulting interfaces, govern interactions between the nanohybrids and PFAS.
Interactions and adsorption performance will first be investigated using TFA as a model ultrashort-chain compound, and subsequently with other short-chain PFAS. The materials will be characterized using complementary techniques (X-ray diffraction, Raman, infrared, XPS and Mössbauer spectroscopies, electron microscopy, etc.), while PFAS will be quantified in the aqueous phase, notably by ion chromatography and LC-MS(/MS). Relating synthesis conditions, composition, structure and surface properties of the materials to their adsorption performance will make it possible to establish structure-reactivity relationships and elucidate the interaction mechanisms at nanomaterial-PFAS interfaces.
The candidate should hold a Master's degree or an engineering degree in chemistry, materials chemistry or physical chemistry. A strong interest in materials synthesis and characterization, as well as in the physicochemical investigation of interfaces, is expected. Previous experience in adsorption, layered materials, spectroscopy or analytical chemistry would be an asset. The candidate should also demonstrate scientific rigor, autonomy and an ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.
Your Work Environment
The PhD project will be carried out at the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Microbiology for Materials and the Environment (LCPME, UMR 7564 CNRS-Université de Lorraine), at the Villers-lès-Nancy site, within the SIMAVI research team.
The PhD is part of the ANR-funded INOMAT-PF project, “Innovative inorganic hybrid materials for safe PFAS decontamination”, which aims to develop novel hybrid materials for the adsorption of short- and ultrashort-chain PFAS from water and to understand the interaction mechanisms governing their adsorption at interfaces. The PhD student will join the SIMAVI team and benefit from the scientific and instrumental environment at LCPME, particularly the SMI Platform for Interface Spectroscopies and Microscopies.
Constraints and risks
The PhD project will be carried out at the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Microbiology for Materials and the Environment (LCPME, UMR 7564 CNRS-Université de Lorraine), at the Villers-lès-Nancy site, within the SIMAVI research team.
The PhD is part of the ANR-funded INOMAT-PF project, “Innovative inorganic hybrid materials for safe PFAS decontamination”, which aims to develop novel hybrid materials for the adsorption of short- and ultrashort-chain PFAS from water and to understand the interaction mechanisms governing their adsorption at interfaces. The PhD student will join the SIMAVI team and benefit from the scientific expertise and instrumental facilities available at LCPME, particularly the SMI Platform for Interface Spectroscopies and Microscopies.
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
| Offer reference | UMR7564-MARMAL-001 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Physical chemistry, theoretical and analytic |
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.
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