PhD in Polymer Chemistry and Smart Materials for Reversible Low-Energy CO₂ Capture

This PhD position at Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) focuses on designing smart polymeric materials capable of reversible CO₂ capture at low energy costs. Under the PRISM programme, funded by Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND, the project will synthesize and characterize hydrogel nanoparticles with enhanced CO₂ absorption capabilities, addressing challenges in humid environments. The research integrates academic expertise with industrial collaboration through TotalEnergies, offering opportunities for international secondments and potential patent applications. Applicants should have a strong background in polymer or molecular chemistry and a passion for interdisciplinary research bridging academia and industry.

• Synthesize novel hydrogel nanoparticles using controlled radical polymerization techniques for CO₂ capture applications.
• Characterize the physicochemical, thermomechanical, and rheological properties of synthesized materials.
• Assess the pKa of functional groups in hydrogels as a function of temperature and composition to optimize CO₂ capture performance.
• Conduct reversible CO₂ capture and release experiments to benchmark the efficiency of new materials under varying conditions.
• Collaborate with TotalEnergies to guide potential industrial applications and technology scaling.
• Participate in an international secondment at the University of Groningen for advanced rheological characterization.
• Publish findings in leading scientific journals and present results at national and international conferences.
• Contribute to potential patent applications for novel CO₂ capture technologies.