PHD STUDENT : develop low-pressure hydrogenation catalytic process of LOHCs (liquid organic hyd[...]

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 27 000 - 35 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Un projet doctoral en catalyse est proposé au Laboratoire Catalyse et Spectrochimie en France. Le candidat recherchera des catalyseurs innovants pour le processus d'hydrogénation de LOHCs, avec une forte possibilité de contribuer à la transition énergétique. Les candidats doivent avoir un Master en Chimie et des compétences en synthèse de matériaux.

Qualifications

• Connaissance solide en catalyse (hétérogène ou homogène).
• Intérêt pour la synthèse de matériaux poreux (zeolites ou MOFs).
• Familiarité avec les pratiques de laboratoire et les procédures de sécurité.

Responsabilités

• Concevoir et synthétiser de nouveaux catalyseurs à base de platine.
• Réaliser des tests catalytiques sur des modèles de LOHC.
• Effectuer des analyses physico-chimiques avancées.

Connaissances

Catalyse

Chimie des matériaux

Analyse physico-chimique

Formation

Diplôme de Master en chimie ou équivalent

Description du poste

Organisation/Company ENSICAEN Department Management Research Field Chemistry » Heterogeneous catalysis Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions PhD Positions Country France Application Deadline 24 Aug 2025 - 23:00 (Europe/Paris) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2025 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The H2RECOVER project aims to develop low-pressure hydrogenation catalytic process of LOHCs (liquid organic hydrogen carriers) using raw hydrogen (Raw-H₂), a low-cost but impure feedstock that poisons conventional catalysts.

This PhD work will focus on the design, synthesis, and mechanistic study of novel platinum-based catalysts encapsulated in microporous zeolites (Pt@LTA and Pt@SOD), capable of activating hydrogen via the spillover effect while resisting poisoning by H₂S or CO.

The research plan includes:

• automated synthesis of Pt@zeolites using a high-throughput robot (ZINSSER ANALYTIC),
• advanced physico-chemical characterization (XRD, FTIR, NMR, HR-STEM, TPR…),
• operando FTIR experiments to monitor hydrogen spillover,
• catalytic tests on a model LOHC (dibenzyl-toluene),
• and evaluation of resistance to gas-phase contaminants.

The work will provide fundamental insights into hydrogen spillover kinetics and help unlock alternative low-energy hydrogenation strategies for energy transition.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Solid knowledge in:

• Catalysis (heterogeneous or homogeneous)
• Solid-state chemistry or materials chemistry

Experience or strong interest in:

• Synthesis of porous materials (especially zeolites or MOFs)
• Physico-chemical analysis of catalysts or nanostructured solids
• Spectroscopic operando or in situ methods (a plus)

Familiarity with:

• Laboratory good practices and safety procedures
• Scientific writing and data analysis

Programming or modeling skills (Python, Matlab, Origin, or similar) are appreciated but not mandator

Specific Requirements

The candidate should demonstrate:

• A strong motivation for research and energy transition topics
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary consortium
• Good communication and organizational skills
• Readiness to work between Caen (LCS) and Lyon (IRCELYON) during the PhD duration

Previous experience with zeolite synthesis, encapsulation of metals, or hydrogenation catalysis will be considered an asset

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages FRENCH Level Basic

Additional Information

Selection process

Selection process

A complete application must contain:

- Personal letter with a brief description of your research interests and your motivation letter, as well as your contact information

- Copy of the diplomas of your Master degree

The subject of your application email must contain the reference of the job offer.

People selected for an interview will be directly contacted by e-mail in the beginning of September

Additional comments

The research will be carried out at the Laboratoire Catalyse et Spectrochimie (LCS).

The LCS laboratory is a joint research unit under the auspices of the CNRS (UMR 6506), the University of Caen Normandy and ENSICAEN, the host institution. The LCS is recognized for its research activities, which are organized into two teams: one working on the rational design of porous zeolitic materials for targeted applications (catalysis, adsorption, sensors, medical applications…), and the other focusing on in-situ and operando spectroscopic methods for molecular-scale understanding of catalytic and adsorption phenomena. The person recruited will be inserted in

this latter team. The LCS is heavily involved in major energy and pollution abatement projects and has long-standing strong interactions with numerous industrial groups.

The laboratory employs over 80 people, including 32 permanent staff (19 researchers, 14 administrative and technical staff). One of the laboratory's strengths also lies in the state-of-the art equipment, original tools and skills developed within its 5 technical platforms (Synthesis; Adsorption Catalysis; NMR; Vibrational Spectroscopy).