진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

- work environment:

Created in January 2007, the Marcoule Institute in Separation Chemistry (ICSM) is a Joint Research Unit (UMR 5257) between the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the University of Montpellier (UM) and the National

Graduate School of Chemistry in Montpellier (ENSCM). ICSM is composed of 3 research axes gathering 8 research teams working in close collaboration. It is also attached to the Balard chemistry cluster, which brings together the four Montpellier

chemistry institutes, including the Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM), the Institut Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier (ICGM) and the Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM). As part of the Pôle de Chimie from the University of Montpellier and the Institut des Sciences et

Technologies pour une Economie circulaire des énergies bas Carbone (ISEC) within the CEA Energy Division (CEA/DES), the ICSM aims to develop fundamental research whose main objective is to "propose choices" for the development of separative chemistry processes applied to the field

of decarbonized energies, by integrating the challenges of sustainable nuclear energy and the circular economy. It is a nice place to do research in the south of France with high opportunities and a friendly environment.

- main mission:

The researcher's responsibilities will span several key areas, from material synthesis to their characterization and practical application. The primary task will involve adapting and optimizing MOF (Metal-Organic Framework) syntheses already recognized for CO2 capture and separation. These are traditionally produced via solvothermal methods, but an alternative technique will be employed, with a specific focus on zirconium (Zr)-based MOFs, especially hydrophobic ones containing fluorinated groups, due to their superior adsorption capabilities.

Initially, the focus will be on synthesizing these materials in powder form to confirm the feasibility of their formation using the chosen method and its compatibility with the selected MOFs. Once powder synthesis is mastered, the post-doctoral researcher will be responsible for synthesizing or directly depositing MOFs onto porous ceramic membrane supports. This will necessitate optimizing synthesis parameters to achieve composite membranes that are as homogeneous, compact, and continuous as possible.

Depending on the outcomes with MOF/ceramic membranes, the post-doctoral researcher may then explore creating other relevant composite membrane types (e.g., MOF/Polymer, MOF/Graphene, or MOF/Zeolite), leveraging synergies with project partners. A crucial part of the role will be to thoroughly characterize the synthesized MOFs (both in powder and membrane forms) to evaluate their structural and textural properties, along with their CO2 adsorption performance. This will involve using appropriate characterization techniques such as XRD, TGA, porosimetry, electron microscopy, and gas adsorption measurements.

The researcher will also need to assess the membranes' effectiveness for CO2 separation and capture. There may also be opportunities to explore the materials' potential for other applications, like water treatment and pollutant removal, building on the known utility of MOFs in these areas. Finally, the researcher will be actively encouraged to author scientific articles, present findings at conferences, and play a significant role in disseminating project results.

These missions demand strong expertise in materials chemistry, particularly concerning MOFs and supercritical processes, in addition to a solid command of characterization techniques.

- activities:

The research efforts will encompass a series of interconnected tasks designed to advance the field of CO2 capture. A primary focus involves refining the synthesis of well-established MOFs, particularly those based on zirconium and featuring fluorinated groups, into a powder form. This will be achieved through the innovative application of supercritical CO2 methods, which promises enhanced efficiency.

Following the successful production of these MOF powders, the next phase will concentrate on their integration into advanced membrane systems. This involves the creation and subsequent refinement of composite membranes, where the MOFs are seamlessly combined with ceramic supports. The supercritical CO2 technique will again play a crucial role, whether through direct synthesis onto the support or precise deposition.

A fundamental aspect of this work is the comprehensive characterization of both the newly synthesized MOFs and the composite membranes. This in-depth analysis will meticulously examine their structural and textural characteristics, along with their crucial performance metrics for CO2 capture. This rigorous evaluation will then lead to a thorough assessment of the membranes' effectiveness in separating and capturing CO2 from gas streams.

Finally, a significant component of this research is the commitment to sharing findings with the broader scientific community. This includes authoring impactful publications and presenting the work at relevant conferences, thereby contributing to the collective knowledge in this vital area.

Contract duration : 18 months

Net salary : Between 2,200€ and 2,380€