Description of the thesis topic

As part of a collaborative research project between the University of Lille (UCCS), the Catalysis and Spectroscopy Laboratory in Caen (LCS), and IPCMS in Strasbourg, the PhD work will focus on the development of new hybrid catalysts combining zeolites and liquid metals for the conversion of platform molecules (e.g., methanol) into high-value hydrocarbons.
The project aims to significantly enhance the stability of zeolites under severe reaction conditions (400–700 °C) through the incorporation of low-melting-point metals or alloys (Ga, In, Bi, etc.). The PhD candidate will work on the synthesis of new materials, the study of deactivation mechanisms (coke formation), and the identification of the active sites involved.
Experimental work will include:
• preparation of micro- and mesoporous zeolites
• incorporation of liquid metals into the catalytic matrix
• advanced characterization (operando DRIFTS, Raman, XRD, adsorption, microscopy)
• kinetic studies under continuous and transient regimes
• in situ observation of deactivation and decoking by environmental TEM (Strasbourg)
This project aims to develop next-generation catalytic materials with exceptional stability for key applications.

Work Context

The Catalysis and Solid-State Chemistry Unit (UCCS, UMR 8181 CNRS) includes 105 researchers and faculty members, 32 technical and administrative staff, approximately 80 PhD students, and 20 postdoctoral researchers. The unit is spread across several sites in the Lille area.
The PhD candidate will be based in Villeneuve d'Ascq (University of Lille / École Centrale de Lille) under the supervision of Dr. Vitaly Ordomsky. Catalyst synthesis will be carried out at the Catalysis Pilot Hall and at École Centrale, while operando spectroscopic characterizations and kinetic experiments will be conducted in Building C3.
As part of the consortium, research stays and meetings will be organized at LCS (Caen) and IPCMS (Strasbourg). The PhD candidate will participate in progress meetings as well as national and international conferences to present research results.
The position falls within a sector subject to the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires prior authorization from the competent authority of the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).

Constraints and risks

The PhD candidate will work with high-temperature catalytic reactors, potentially under pressure. Other risks include exposure to chemicals, reactive gases, and analytical equipment (X-rays, environmental TEM). The position falls within a sector subject to the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) and therefore requires prior administrative authorization.