2 years Post-doctoral position in organometallic chemistry (W/M) : Development of Bioinspired and Bifunctional Bimetallic Complexes for the Activation of Small Molecules (CO2, H2)

23 Oct 2023
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Université Bretagne Occidentale

Research Field

Chemistry » Molecular chemistry

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

France

Application Deadline

1 Mar 2024 – 12:00 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Context. Bioinspired by nature and in particular [FeFe]-hydrogenase natural enzymes, the project aims to develop iron-based catalyst, an abundant and eco-friendly metal, for the activation of H2 , an energy carrier, and highlight CO2 a greenhouse gas as a carbon source.[1,2] Frustrated Lewis Pairs have been proved to be an efficient tool for the activation of small molecules and strong chemical bonds.[3,4] In our group, a proof of concept has already been achieved, showing that the use of Frustrated Lewis Pairs, based on borane Lewis acid and low valent diiron complexes as Lewis base are able to activate H2 .[5] In the literature, diiron complexes have also been reported as electrocatalyst for the CO2 reduction.[6] However, the use of the above-mentioned FLP strategy for CO2 reduction using diiron complexes has never been studied. The objectives of this project are to design bifunctional complexes, able to tackle the reversible conversion H+ /H2 oxidation or the CO2 electroreduction depending on the experimental conditions.

Mission of the post-doctoral fellow. The post-doctoral fellow will develop the synthesis of novel organic ligands and iron based organometallic models of the [FeFe]-hydrogenase prior the challenging introduction of the borane function.  To understand and develop the obtained results, spectroscopic and structural characterization of novel molecules will constitute an important part of the work. Moreover, electrochemical behavior of the designed [FeFe]-models will be studied to gain a full understanding of the redox properties of the synthesized assemblies. The activation of small molecule H2 and CO2 will be performed with and without the presence of the Lewis acid.

About the team. The post-doctoral fellow will join under the supervision of Dr. Lucile Chatelain the Biomimetic Activation research group led by Prof. Philippe Schollhammer at the CEMCA laboratory in Brest. The CEMCA laboratory of Brest is a research unit affiliated to both the CNRS and the University of Bretagne Occidentale. The lab is fully equipped for the project: Schlenk-lines, glovebox, potentiostat, X-ray diffraction, IR spectrometer and NMR are available. The post-doctoral fellow will take part to the emerging collaboration with Dr. Noémie Lalaoui (DCM, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France) for the characterization of electrocatalysts, mission in Grenoble will be planned.

Candidate profile. The candidate should have a strong background in organic and organometallic chemistry, in particular he/she should be already fully trained with Schlenk-line techniques and spectroscopic analysis (NMR, IR). Experience in electrochemical studies would be desirable. He/she should have experience in writing articles from his/her work.

Application. To apply, candidates should send a curriculum vitae with publication list, contact information of three referees and a short cover letter, stating the applicant’s interest in working on that particular project.

References.

[1]       F. Möller, S. Piontek, R. G. Miller, U.-P. Apfel, Chem. – Eur. J.2018, 24, 1471–1493.

[2]       J. T. Kleinhaus, F. Wittkamp, S. Yadav, D. Siegmund, U.-P. Apfel, Chem. Soc. Rev.2021, 50, 1668–1784.

[3]       D. W. Stephan, Science2016, 354, aaf7229.

[4]       D. W. Stephan, J. Am. Chem. Soc.2021, 143, 20002–20014.

[5]       L. Chatelain, J.-B. Breton, F. Arrigoni, P. Schollhammer, G. Zampella, Chem. Sci.2022, 13, 4863–4873.

[6]       M. Cheng, Y. Yu, X. Zhou, Y. Luo, M. Wang, ACS Catal.2019, 9, 768–774.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry » Molecular chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

Important eligibility criterion from funding agency: the candidate should have spent at least 18 months outside of France from the 1st May 2020.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Laboratoire CEMCA UMR CNRS 6521, Université Bretagne Occidentale

Country

France

City

Brest

Postal Code

29200

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

lucile.chatelain@univ-brest.fr

Contact

City

Brest

Website

http://www.umr6521.cnrs.fr/en/

Street

6 avenue Victor le Gorgeu

Postal Code

29200

STATUS: EXPIRED