New green synthesis route for metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) using recycled PET waste

Organisation / Company CNRS Alsace Laboratory Institut de Chimie et Procédés pour l’Energie, l’Environnement et la Santé (ICPEES) Is the Hosting related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Keywords: waste PET, MOFs, photocatalysis, PFOA

Offer description: Didier ROBERT is Professor in organic chemistry at the University of Lorraine and researcher in photocatalysis at the ICPEES (University of Strasbourg). Internationally recognized in the field "photocatalysis" (He has published more than 150 articles in this domain), his research focuses on the development and optimization of photocatalytic processes and materials, particularly nanomaterials, for environmental applications such as water and air treatment to eliminate emerging contaminants like volatile organic compounds, pharmaceutical, and nanoplastics. He is interested in both the fundamental aspects and practical applications of photocatalysis.

This project aims to develop a green synthesis route for metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) using recycled PET waste as the organic precursor. Building on preliminary work from the ICPEES, the feasibility of producing MIL-53(Al) MOFs from recycled PET has already been demonstrated, with promising activity for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants such as 4‑chlorophenol. The project aims to optimise various synthesis routes for metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) derived from recycled PET. Their photocatalytic performance will be assessed through the degradation of a model organic pollutant. Furthermore, the project will investigate the photocatalytic degradation of PFOA, used as a model PFAS compound, employing the most efficient PET‑derived MOFs. Their performance will be compared with reference photocatalysts (TiO₂, ZnO) and a commercial MOF (MIL‑101(Fe)), with the objective of correlating photocatalytic activity to the metal cation and elucidating the PFOA degradation mechanism.

Who can apply?

Researchers of any nationality who:

• Have completed a PhD or will complete it at the date of the call deadline (September 2026).
• Have a maximum of 8 years full‑time equivalent experience in research at the time of the call deadline.
• Have not resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline.

Beware that applicants who have applied to the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 call and received an evaluation below 80% are not eligible for an application in 2026.

How to apply?

We encourage all motivated and eligible postdoctoral researchers to send their expressions of interest to the supervisor’s e‑mail address before 24th April 2026.

Your application shall include:

• a CV (5 pages max)
• a cover letter outlining your research background and its synergies with the supervisor’s field and/or the proposed research topic.

Estimated timetable:

• Deadline for sending an expression of interest: 24th April 2026
• Selection of the applicant: May 2026 at the latest