Witness a catalyst in action using Time resolved NAP-XPS (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

This PhD project, based at the University of Lille within the UCCS laboratory, focuses on the dynamic behavior of photocatalysts under reaction conditions. It addresses a key challenge in heterogeneous photocatalysis: the limited fundamental understanding of how photocatalysts undergo structural and electronic changes during operation. While traditional mechanistic models often consider the catalyst as a static material, photocatalysts are inherently dynamic systems. They respond rapidly to variations in temperature, pressure, gas composition, and illumination, factors that critically influence their catalytic activity and selectivity. Capturing these transient processes requires time-resolved studies under realistic working conditions.
The objective of the PhD is to develop a time-resolved experimental methodology using Near Ambient Pressure X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (NAP-XPS), leveraging the capabilities of a newly installed laboratory-based NAP-XPS instrument at the Institut Chevreul (Lille University). This state-of-the-art setup, the second of its kind in France after the TEMPO beamline at Synchrotron SOLEIL, enables operando surface chemistry investigations.
As a model system, the research will focus on a photocatalyst composed of three components: zinc (as the active metal site), tungstophosphoric acid (a polyoxometalate mediating electron transfer), and titanium oxide (a light-harvesting semiconductor). This hybrid catalyst has shown excellent performance in two benchmark reactions: the selective photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ into CO in the presence of water, and the oxidation of CH₄ into CO.
Time-resolved NAP-XPS measurements will be used to identify the structure and nature of active sites, monitor the formation of intermediate species, and follow the catalyst's evolution and potential deactivation during operation. Beyond chemical identification, the methodology will allow the characterization of reaction kinetics and the timescales associated with competing processes on the same surface, offering insight into how selectivity arises under dynamic conditions. The outcomes of this work will contribute to advancing operando spectroscopy techniques and support the rational design of more efficient photocatalysts for sustainable chemical transformations.

Your Work Environment

The PhD candidate will be integrated into the Unité de Catalyse et Chimie du Solide (UCCS, UMR 8181 CNRS), which comprises 105 researchers and academic staff, 32 technical and administrative personnel, approximately 80 PhD students, and 20 postdoctoral researchers. Based in Villeneuve d'Ascq, the PhD candidate will benefit from scientific supervision provided by Prof. Jean-François Paul, Dr. Héloise Tissot, and Dr. Pardis Simon. Experimental measurements will be conducted at the Institut Chevreul on the scientific campus, offering privileged access to state-of-the-art spectroscopy and surface analysis equipment. This project is part of the ANR NAPTIME initiative, an ambitious collaborative project bringing together UCCS, LASIRE, IRCELYON, and Synchrotron SOLEIL.

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