Description

Prussian Blue is a blue pigment discovered in the early 18^th century. This family of coordination polymers, whose formula is AxFe^III[Fe^II(CN)6]y.xH2O (A=Na, K,…), presents interesting properties (photothermia, conductivity, magnetism,…) allowing them to be used in various applications. One can mention Radiogardase^TM for example, which is a medicine based on prussian blue and approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) for the decontamination in human following a poisoning to  Cs⁺ et Tl⁺ radioactive elements (Coordination Chemistry Reviews 346 (2017) 32–61).

Research on these materials has grown fast in recent decays due to their nanometric scaling inducing increased properties. Synthetic methods have thus been developed allowing the preparation of nanoparticles with controlled size and distribution. However only few milligrams can be obtained using those methods up to now.  One major challenge is thus to develop new synthetic methods in order to increase the yield while keeping a control on nanoparticles size. The syntheses by continuous flow or milli-fluidic are ways to consider.

Goal

The goal of this internship will be first to get to know the synthesis by co-precipitation method used to produce prussian blue nanoparticles. Then the intern will have to:

• Rationalize and optimize the technique of controlled co-precipitation
• Improve the synthesis by vortex (technique already developed in the group) by optimizing some parameters (speed, concentrations …)
• Characterize the samples by different techniques
• Extend the technique to Prussian blue analogues

Candidate Profile

An affinity for inorganic chemistry and material chemistry is expected. He or she will be required to use classical characterization techniques (IR, UV-Visible, XRD, SEM-EDS,…) A good knowledge of IT tools and few concepts on programming will be optional skills but valuable.

To apply

If you’re interested, please send your CV and motivation letter to this following address : saad.sene@umontpellier.fr