Context and Objectives :

Cellulose, the biopolymer and constituting the majority of the biomass (larger than hemicellulose and lignin), is one of the screened solutions for the co-production of “green H2” and high value-added molecules in electrochemical reactors (electrolyzers). (In)organic electrosynthesis, which is on the verge of a renaissance, is one of the solutions with the least environmental impact that fits in with the circular economy and energy transition while valorizing biomass.1-3 The efficiency of cellulose electroreforming is complex, however, as it requires integration of electrocatalytic methods with analytical methods to better elucidate the selectivity and mechanism. The scientific objective of this Post-doc is to study the efficiency of a membrane reactor, fed with cellulose and operating with electrode materials already identified by the supervising team, for the simultaneous production of H2 and organic molecules of high interest. For that, the candidate will benefit from the complementarity of his/her supervisors from IEM (expertise in electrocatalysis and materials science) and IBMM (expertise in organic and analytical chemistry).

Keywords

Biomass, cellulose, analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, organic electrosynthesis, hydrogen

Candidate Profile :

– A successful candidate must hold a PhD (or defense before contract starts) either related to electrochemistry (in the broadest sense) or related to organic synthesis (methodology development), but who would like to be engaged in organic electrosynthesis. Highly motivated, the candidate should be rigorous, initiative and autonomy. He/she should therefore have knowledge (not necessarily practical) in electrochemistry/organic chemistry and/or in characterization techniques (in particular mass spectrometry analysis). Knowledge in the elaboration of (nano)electrode materials would be highly appreciated, but not necessary if an organic chemist.
– Fluency in English is required to analyze the literature. We will be thrilled with a minimum level in French.

To apply :

E-mail to the both PIs (before November 15th, 2020), (1) a CV (detailing background, theoretical/practical skills, publications/communications records and references), (2) a cover letter, and (3) at least one letter of recommendation. The selection process will include one or more interviews (on-site or by video).

Selected Bibliography

[1] Y. Holade et al. Catalysis Science & Technology 2020, 10, 3071-3112.
[2] M. Besson et al. Chemical Reviews 2014, 114, 1827-1870.
[3] L. Yan, X. Qi, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 2014, 2, 897-901.