Project et objectives of the internship

The aim of this project is to prepare recyclable nano-catalysts that can be applied to the preparation of bioactive molecules and reactions of interest for lignin depolymerization. The approach consists in grafting, by pi-stacking, molecular catalysts on magnetic nanoparticles (NPM) with a graphene shell (Fig.). The major challenge concerns access to such nano-objects, and a method has recently been discovered in the laboratory.

Trainee work :

• synthesize and characterize iron-cobalt NPMs bearing a graphene shell.
• prepare 2 molecular catalysts (Ru- or Rh-terpyridine complexes) incorporating a pyrene unit and graft them onto the surface of graphene-shell NPMs.
• characterize the hybrid materials obtained and assess their catalytic performance and recyclability. The targeted catalytic reactions involve hydrogen transfer and concern i) the reduction of nitroarenes to amines (metal = Ru, application to paracetamol synthesis) and ii) C-O bond cleavage on lignin molecular models (metal = Rh).

Expected skills: A good knowledge in molecular chemistry and/or catalysis is required. The candidate has to be motivated by the challenge of the project.

To apply : Thanks to send a resume, a motivation letter and a recommandation letter to S. Sene saad.sene@umontpellier.fr and A. Ouali armelle.ouali@enscm.fr. Do not hesitate to contact us by email for any further information.