PhD in Electrochemical CO₂ Capture from Seawater via Microelectrode Arrays

This PhD position at Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) focuses on designing and optimizing microelectrode array reactors for capturing CO₂ directly from seawater. The project, part of the PRISM programme funded by Horizon Europe, aims to address challenges in material stability, energy efficiency, and reactor design under extreme pH and salinity conditions. The candidate will collaborate between IMAP and CBI-MIE labs, combining electrochemistry, materials science, and reactor engineering to advance sustainable carbon capture technologies. The work includes catalyst synthesis, reactor prototyping, and performance characterization, with international collaborations in Germany and Switzerland. The position is fully funded and open to international applicants with a strong background in physical chemistry, electrochemistry, or related fields.

• Design and optimize microelectrode array reactors for direct CO₂ extraction from seawater without chemical additives or ion-exchange membranes.
• Develop robust catalysts (e.g., Ni-based materials) for CO₂ electroreduction using thin-film deposition and electrodeposition techniques.
• Characterize reactor performance using operando AFM-based imaging, electrochemical testing, and gas/liquid product analysis.
• Conduct techno-economic and life-cycle assessments of the proposed reactor systems.
• Collaborate with international partners (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Paul Scherrer Institute) on kinetic modeling and spectroelectrochemical characterization.
• Publish findings in high-impact journals and present results at international conferences.
• Work in a multidisciplinary team to integrate electrochemistry, materials science, and reactor engineering.