PhD Position in Electrochemical CO₂ Capture from Seawater
Fully funded PhD fellowship to develop innovative microelectrode arrays for sustainable CO₂ removal from seawater.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a strong background in materials science, electrochemistry, or chemical engineering, passionate about sustainable energy solutions and interdisciplinary research.
Overview
This PhD position within the PRISM programme at PSL University focuses on advancing electrochemical CO₂ capture from seawater using microelectrode arrays. The project, based at the Laboratory IMAP in Paris, aims to design reactors that avoid chemical additives and ion-exchange membranes, addressing critical challenges in material stability and energy efficiency. The candidate will engage in interdisciplinary research spanning electrochemistry, materials science, and reactor engineering, with opportunities for international collaboration and training in sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The programme offers fully funded fellowships starting March 2027, emphasizing mobility, secondments, and interdisciplinary training.
What you'll do
- Design and develop innovative microelectrode array reactors for electrochemical CO₂ capture from seawater without chemical additives or ion-exchange membranes.
- Investigate and optimize materials for chemical and mechanical stability under extreme pH and salinity conditions.
- Conduct catalyst development using thin-film deposition and electrodeposition techniques, focusing on robust, low-cost formulations.
- Perform operando characterization and electrochemical testing to analyze performance and degradation mechanisms.
- Collaborate on international secondments with partners in Germany and Switzerland to study kinetic modeling and spectroelectrochemical characterization.
- Develop techno-economic and life-cycle assessments to evaluate the reactor’s scalability and sustainability.
- Participate in interdisciplinary training programs covering sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and career development.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent proficiency required for academic research and collaboration
Instruction: English
- Proven expertise in electrochemistry or materials science
- Experience with experimental techniques in chemical or electrochemical analysis
- Familiarity with reactor engineering or materials characterization methods
- Strong proficiency in English for academic research and collaboration
- 1–4 years of research experience in a relevant field
- Open to international applicants
- No specific nationality restrictions
- Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (e.g., work, studies) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the recruitment date
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31 (Europe/Paris)
Applicants must submit their application through the PRISM programme website. The application process includes submitting a CV, a motivation letter, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Additional project-specific documents may be required. The deadline for applications is 31 October 2026 at 23:59 Paris time.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
- Proof of English proficiency if not from an English-speaking country
Contact
PRISM Programme Team· Application Contact
https://www.ens.psl.eu/en/laboratoire/institut-des-materiaux-poreux-de-paris-imap
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