ESRF - PhD student at ILL: on SAS studies of amine-rich mesoporous silica for CO2 capture

At a glance

Job title: PhD student at ILL: on SAS studies of amine-rich mesoporous silica for CO2 capture
Ref.: NS25-ILL36
Contract type: Time-limited contract
Salary range: 32.7K€
Deadline for applications: 02/05/2025
Expected deadline of applications: 02/05/2025
Publication start on Front Office : Site internet: 03/03/2025
Contract duration: 3 years (1 year renewable 2 years)

Context & Job description

Thesis subject: direct synthesis of functional ordered mesoporous materials investigated by small angle scattering techniques for applications in CO₂ capture.

You will join the LSS group at the ILL (Grenoble, France), and more precisely the D11 team. D11 is a small angle neutron scattering (SANS) instrument, designed for the study of large scale structures in soft matter systems, chemistry, biology, solid state physics and materials science. D11 underwent a major upgrade program recently and is the archetype of a long pinhole instrument, specialised to access lowest q (VSANS) and therefore very large length scales in real space.

This PhD project has for goal the design of intrinsically functional ordered mesoporous materials via one-pot syntheses, using double hydrophilic block copolymer (DHBC), made of a neutral block and an amine-rich positively charged block, as structure-directing and functionalization agent. We will study the structure of the polyion complex micelles (PIC micelles) made by coacervation of this DHBC with negatively charged polyanions, using a combination of SAXS and SANS coupled with contrast variation techniques. This technique will allow a complete characterisation of their shape, size and interactions, before exploring their phase diagram with concentration. These micelles will then be used for the sol-gel synthesis of mesostructured silicic materials, studying notably the role of pH on the material organisation. In situ SAXS/SANS during the sol-gel process will allow describing their formation mechanisms and rationalize the micelle and material design. Selective elution of polyanions from the pores of the mesostructured materials will give mesoporous silicic materials that are intrinsically, homogeneously and densely functionalized by polyamines within their pores. Their CO₂-sorption properties will be assessed and compared to non-functional mesoporous materials.

Further information may be obtained from: Dr. Ralf Schweins (email: schweins@ill.eu), from Dr. Julien Schmitt (email: julien.schmitt@umontpellier.fr) and from Dr. Corine Gérardin (email: corine.gerardin@enscm.fr).

Expected profile

- Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry or a closely related natural science like physics, materials sciences, nanotechnology, etc. Degrees must have been granted by European universities or already recognised as equivalent.

- A background in soft matter and/or chemistry of materials is required, preferentially with knowledge of scattering techniques. Experience in polymer science is a plus but is not mandatory, the polymer synthesis will follow previously established protocols.

- You will handle complex instruments, perform detailed data refinement and analysis with physical models. Interest in programming is also a plus.

- Soft skills: Rigorous, organised, showing critical thinking and capable of communicating his/her results to a team scattered over two labs.

- Proficiency in English (A proof of upper-intermediate level must be included in the application. Applicants originating from native-English-speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will be also accepted as a proof). If the applicant is unable to provide proof, an English test (free of charge) will be requested.

- Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host institute’s country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the application deadline.

- All researchers recruited must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.

- Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

Working conditions

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at University of Montpellier (France) and based full-time at the ILL (Grenoble, France), with three secondments of three months each at Institut Charles Gerhardt in Montpellier planned during the three years of the PhD. Furthermore, a varied pedagogical training programme will be offered to the successful candidate throughout the 3-year PhD project.

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Company description

NEXTSTEP will train 36 young and enthusiastic researchers to exploit the unique and transversal capabilities of analytical research infrastructures in tackling the challenges associated with sustainable development and industrial competitiveness in the areas of “Health”, “Digital, Industry & Space”, “Climate, Energy and Mobility” and “Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment”, which are at the heart of Horizon Europe. Host laboratories: ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), NTNU (Norway).

More details about the Nextstep Doctoral Programme on www.nextstep-programme.eu