Job title:
PhD position (M/F) on selective electrooxidation of biomass
Company:
Job description
Offer DescriptionThe researcher will work in the CARE team (Catalytic and Atmospheric Reactivity for the Environment) of the Institute of Researches on Catalysis and Environment of LYON (IRCELYON). This academic laboratory located in Villeurbanne (France) is fully devoted to heterogeneous catalysis. The CARE group is focus on environmental topics such as the electrocatalytic valorization of biomass. The work will be carried out in the framework of the FURFUN project (Furanic derivatives functionalization for bioproducts synthesis) of the national “programme et équipement prioritaire de recherche” B-BEST.Furanic derivatives, stemming from the treatment of biomass, are of huge interest in the chemical industry for the manufacture of a large range of bio-based and relevant chemicals with main application in the field of solvents and polymers. Among them, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), derived from the dehydration of hexoses, stands out for its adding-value potential. The objective of this project is to selectively oxidize HMF into added value chemicals such as FDCA (FuranDiCarboxylic Acid) and DFF (DiFormylFurane) since they are key intermediates for the production of PEF (PolyEthyleneFuranoate) and diamines, respectively. The challenge encountered in HMF electrooxidation lays in the finding of efficient, selective and stable catalytic systems capable of working under industrially viable reaction conditions. Indeed, the presence of large amounts of base (from 1 and up to 20 equivalents) is almost ubiquitous in most of the examples found in the related literature. The research activities of the PhD student will be focus on the development of electrocatalysts for the selective electrooxidation of HMF into FDCA and/or DFF under different electrolytes, pH and HMF concentrations.
The PhD student will be responsible for synthesizing and characterizing electrocatalysts, including analyzing their structure, texture, and electronic properties. He/She will also evaluate the electrochemical performance of these catalysts for HMF electrooxidation, using a combination of electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy, as well as analytical tools like liquid and gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Additionally, operando techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and XAS spectroscopy will be employed. The student will receive training in electrocatalysis, materials science, and analytical chemistry. The thesis work will be conducted within the framework of a national project in collaboration with IFPEN.The PhD student will be in charge of the:
– Preparation and characterization of electrocatalysts (responsibility)
– Measurement of electrochemical performances (responsibility)
– Analysis and interpretation of results (responsibility)
– Formatting results for presentations including during international conferences, publications and reports in English (responsibility)Master or Engineering diploma in physicochemistry or chemistry with expected skills in
– Physico-chemistry of materials
– Electrochemistry
– Catalysis
– Physicochemical characterization techniques
– Very high level of English (European project environment)
– Motivation and autonomyRequirementsResearch Field Chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Physics Education Level Master Degree or equivalentLanguages FRENCH Level BasicResearch Field Chemistry Years of Research Experience NoneResearch Field Physics Years of Research Experience NoneAdditional InformationAdditional commentsWhat we offer: A stimulating work environment in close contact with research staff. The possibility of teleworking (maximum 2 days a week), depending on activity. A company restaurant on site where you can have lunch at an attractive price. Partial reimbursement of transport tickets (75%) + sustainable mobility package. A site accessible by public transport + private parking lot 44 days of leave per year Financial participation in health insurance costs. Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse et l’Environnement de Lyon Country France City VILLEURBANNE GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact CityVILLEURBANNESTATUS: EXPIRED
Expected salary
Location
Villeurbanne, Rhône
Job date
Sat, 27 Apr 2024 22:47:43 GMT
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