PhD Thesis (M/F): Design and study of materials for the recovery of platinoids contained in ind[...]

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 25 000 - 35 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A PhD position at a leading research institute in France focusing on the recovery of precious metals from electronic waste. The candidate will engage in innovative research at the intersection of various chemistry fields, contributing to sustainable recycling practices. The role involves hands-on laboratory work and collaboration with industry partners to modernize recycling chains and enhance resource security.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of general chemistry required.
• Interest in applied research at the interface of various chemistry fields.

Responsabilités

• Investigate mechanisms of selective recovery of platinum group metals.
• Prepare resins and evaluate decontamination capabilities.

Connaissances

General Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry

Chemical Engineering

Formation

Research Master’s Degree

Description du poste

Organisation/Company: CNRS

Department: Institut de chimie séparative de Marcoule

Research Field: Chemistry, Physics

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country: France

Application Deadline: 5 Jun 2025 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Full-time

Hours Per Week: 35

Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2025

Funding: Not funded by a EU programme

Research Infrastructure Staff Position: No

Offer Description

The thesis will take place at the Institut de Chimie Séparative de Marcoule (ICSM), at LHyS, the Laboratory of hybrid systems for separation, which develops new approaches in the circular economy, producing high-value metal compounds from waste while considering economic and ecological constraints. The project is funded by CNRS and involves collaboration with a recycling SME and the CEA, as part of the MOTRIS project, aimed at modernizing recycling chains for titanium and electronic components, contributing to the circular economy and reducing dependence on imported raw materials.

Context: The recovery of metals from electronic waste (WEEE) is crucial for recycling and supply security. Our teams focus on precious metal recovery and developing new separation processes. We have studied the selective extraction of palladium from WEEE leachates, using derivatives of the malonamide family, which show excellent affinity and selectivity. These molecules are integrated onto solid supports, with promising results leading to patent applications and ongoing studies on their application for industrial effluent treatment.

Project: The PhD aims to investigate the mechanisms of selective recovery of platinum group metals and their interactions with other ions in industrial effluents. The work involves preparing resins, characterizing them, evaluating their decontamination capabilities, and elucidating the recovery mechanisms, especially focusing on speciation and redox reactions of the metals involved.

The laboratories involved have advanced facilities for synthesis, characterization (SEM, BET, NMR, etc.), and chemical analysis (ICP-AES, TOC). All work will be conducted at the Marcoule nuclear site, at ICSM and HERA facilities.

This position is suitable for a chemical engineer or equivalent, preferably with a Research Master’s degree, with good knowledge of general chemistry, and an interest in applied research at the interface of molecular chemistry, coordination chemistry, solution chemistry, analytical chemistry, and chemical engineering.