PhD position — Bifunctional Homogeneous Catalysts for Sustainable Small Nitrogenous Molecules Management (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The planet suffers from an energy crisis – one that can be mitigated should appropriate steps be taken to lessen society's footprint. This project will develop a thorough understanding of how different ligands can be used to achieve new reactivity and selectivity in the field of the catalytic transformation of small nitrogenous molecules, dinitrogen (N₂) and ammonia (NH₃). The generation of ammonia (NH₃) from N₂ stands as one of the most important chemical transformations, providing sustained growth by way of fertilizer production. Notwithstanding, due to high functioning temperature and pressure, this 'simple' reaction accounts for greater than 1-2% of our annual global energy consumption, releasing gigatons of CO₂ annually. Beyond fertilizer use, NH₃ can also be used as a non-carbonaceous fuel as well as a hydrogen carrier. For future, small-scale, delocalized and renewable energy-powered plants that either reduce N₂ to NH₃ or extract hydrogen from NH₃, homogenous catalysts offer modularity, ease of investigations and unbeatable kinetics. Yet, due to the mechanistic complexity of these transformations, the development of such technologies poses considerable fundamental research challenge embracing molecular catalysis, electro and theoretical chemistry up to process development.
The project will consist in the development of organometallic platforms based on a sustainable, non-toxic and abundant metal, manganese (Mn). Its ability to stabilize a large number of oxidation state will be pivotal to study multi-electron, multi-proton processes such as N₂ reduction and its reverse process, NH₃ oxidation. Catalysts candidates will be prepared by combining a modular, strongly donating phosphine/N-heterocyclic carbenes (P-NHC) ligands and half-sandwich manganese precursors. These complexes will be probed for their ability to coordinated N₂ and NH₃ and promote catalytic transformations thereof within the coordination sphere of Mn (see opposing figure).
An important part of the PhD thesis will be devoted to the understanding of the mechanisms of these processes, currently without precedents for Mn. This will be done in collaboration with theoretical chemists and specialists of molecular electrocatalysis, the ultimate goal being the development of an electrified process.

Your Work Environment

The doctorate will be primarily carried out at the Laboratory for Coordination Chemistry (LCC, http://www.lcc-toulouse.fr/), one of the leading French chemistry institutes. We have at our disposal state-of-the-art technical and analytical platforms for the support of the project (e.g., NMR, EPR, X-ray diffraction, electrochemistry...). With a stimulating work environment gathering more than 70 researchers and 100 interns, PhD students and postdocs of different nationalities, research at the LCC places coordination chemistry as a central tool for tackling current challenges related to climate change, energy transition and life sciences.

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