PhD Position in Sustainable Soft Matter Chemistry for Critical Metal Extraction

This fully funded PhD position within the PRISM programme at PSL University focuses on advancing sustainable soft matter science to address ecological transition challenges. The project, titled SOFTMAT4MET, aims to create functional polymer architectures for the selective extraction and transport of critical metals (e.g., germanium and gallium) from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The research integrates molecular chemistry, polymer science, and process engineering to design materials capable of overcoming challenges in complex aqueous environments. The successful candidate will contribute to interdisciplinary training, including international secondments, sustainability courses, and industry collaborations, while addressing real-world challenges in circular economy and urban mining.

• Design and synthesize functional polymer materials for selective extraction and transport of critical metals from WEEE-derived leachates.
• Investigate thermodynamic speciation of target metals using computational tools (e.g., PHREEQC) to guide ligand and material design.
• Develop and characterize polymer architectures (fibers, membranes, porous beads, 3D-printed structures) for controlled metal transport.
• Conduct batch, membrane, and column experiments to evaluate adsorption capacity, selectivity, transport properties, and regeneration efficiency.
• Collaborate with industrial partners to test materials in realistic recycling and hydrometallurgical processes.
• Participate in international secondments to enhance interdisciplinary training and comparative studies.
• Engage in training courses on sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and transferable skills.
• Present research findings at international conferences and contribute to collaborative projects.