PRR Project

Summary

Tenure-track Auxiliary Researcher position aligned with the thematic lines MolCat and GreenChem, in particular molecular design of new porous and catalytic materials toward chemical upgrading of C1 refractory molecules.??????? Rationale for the position:To address climate change effectively, it is imperative to make the conversion and utilization of greenhouse gases economically viable and environmentally impactful. However, industrial streams pose significant challenges compared to pure CO2 streams typically used in laboratory experiments. Therefore, the position encompasses two thematic lines of CQE: MolCat – Molecular and Catalyst Design, and GreenChem – Chemistry towards the Green Transition. This dual focus aims to tackle the fundamental challenges in developing catalysts for the conversion of industrially relevant greenhouse gases into value-added products.Methane and carbon dioxide are not only greenhouse gases and major environmental pollutants but are also attractive and interconvertible C1 molecules with a high potential to advance chemistry towards the Green Transition. This research position focuses on the molecular design of new porous and catalytic materials toward the development of innovative processes for chemical upgrading of biogas with environmental and sustainability significance.Given the soft oxidant nature of CO2 and the soft reductor nature of CH4, the activation of both molecules is pivotal for their simultaneous conversion. Therefore, multifunctional catalysts with active sites tailored for either CO2 or CH4 conversion, working in tandem, must be engineered. For such a molecularly tailored approach, an interdisciplinary profile that integrates precise synthesis techniques and advanced characterization methods will be strategic for CQE. Tasks to be performed:- Rational molecular design and precise synthesis of tailored porous solids that could act as selective adsorbents and/or efficient catalysts for activating C1 refractory molecules, complemented by advanced characterization techniques.- Approbation of biogas capture and purification by porous solids and development of catalytic protocols for chemical upgrading of biogas coupled with carbon dioxide reduction; integration of CO2 capture and utilization in the conversion processes.- Search for innovative methods for sustainable methane and carbon dioxide transformations into value-added C1 and C2 products, including the exploration of a novel concept of hydrothermal catalysis.- Optimization studies, including the use of ML/AI models and the evaluation of potential environmental and sustainability impacts of the developed materials and processes.- Application to national and international research funds; project and research management.- Training and supervision of MSc PhD students and young researchers, and establishment of partnerships with companies.- Dissemination of high impact research, including via seminal papers and participation in leading international conferences.- Interdisciplinary cooperation within the thematic lines strengthening the CQE’s mission.- Knowledge protection, valorization, and continuity.- Organization and participation in networking events with researchers and companies, science dissemination and outreach. Scientific profile required:Candidate should possess a PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering and be a holder of a scientific and professional curriculum with the expected skills including:- Strong track record in rational catalyst design- Relevant expertise in catalyst synthesis, characterization, and catalytic system testing, preferably related to C1 chemistry or functionalization of hydrocarbons- Track-record in pursuing relevant competitive research funding for rational catalyst design and/or C1 molecules activation.