PhD Student on ID22 in the Structure of Materials group

The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France.

Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of the top research facilities worldwide. Its particle accelerator produces intense X-ray beams that are used by thousands of scientists each year for experiments in diverse fields such as biology, medicine, environmental sciences, cultural heritage, materials science, and physics.

Supported by 21 countries, the ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity. 

Thesis subject: Enhanced carbon dioxide reforming of methane using combined zeolite catalysts You will join the ID22 team at the ESRF. ID22 is a versatile instrument that can be exploited for a wide range of high-resolution powder diffraction measurements. The PhD project is in relation with the study and efficiency enhancement of the CO2 reforming of CH4 catalytic process (DRM), using in situ high-resolution X-ray powder diffraction. CO2 reforming of CH4 consists in reacting these two main greenhouse gases to produce syngas (H2 and CO). While zeolite-based catalysts are promising candidates, the challenge is to cope with rapid catalyst deactivation due to secondary reactions, inappropriate for industrial applications.

In this project, a series of zeolites with tailored properties will be studied interacting with the relevant gases experimentally and by molecular dynamic simulation, to promote syngas synthesis while minimizing secondary reactions and catalyst deactivation. Structural evolution of the catalyst, adsorbed molecules and interaction molecule-zeolite will be followed in situ at ID22 by high-resolution anomalous diffraction, thus combining spectroscopy and diffraction. Results from both Rietveld refinements and molecular dynamic simulations will be combined in order to evaluate the efficiency of the different materials and to design the best strategy for an industrial use of the DRM process. catherine.dejoie@esrf.fr and A. Fitch (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 88 25 32, email: fitch@esrf.fr

- Degree allowing enrollment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials science or closely related science

- Interest in X-ray powder diffraction techniques and Rietveld refinement is desirable

- Knowledge of basic programming (python) would be an asset

- English proficiency (working language at the ESRF)

The salary will be calculated on the basis of relevant qualifications and professional experience.

Do you recognize yourself in this description? Apply now for your next professional adventure!

What we offer:

- Join an innovative international research institute, with a workforce from 38 different countries

- Collaborate with global experts to advance science and address societal challenges

- Come and live in a vibrant city, in the heart of the Alps, and Europe's Green Capital 2022

- Enjoy a workplace designed to support your quality of life

- Benefit from our competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for your relocation to Grenoble For further information on employment terms and conditions, please refer to https://www.esrf.fr/home/Jobs/what-we-offer.html

The ESRF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from disabled persons.