Photosensitizers from Organic and Earth-Abundant Metals for CO2 Photoreduction: Applications in[...]

Photosensitizers from Organic and Earth-Abundant Metals for CO2 Photoreduction: Applications in Carbonylation

29/04/2026 Contrat doctoral

METZ - Grand Est - France

Photosensitizers from Organic and Earth-Abundant Metals for CO2 Photoreduction: Applications in Carbonylation

Organic chemistry, catalysis, photocatalysis, CO2, mechanism

Can we use sunlight and earth‑abundant metals to turn CO2 into a useful reagent for organic synthesis? Building on a recent group publication in Chem. Sci. (2026) on metal‑free photocarbonylation, this PhD project – “Photosensitizers from Organic and Earth‑Abundant Metals for CO2 Photoreduction: Applications in Carbonylation” – aims to develop homogeneous photosensitizers (organic dyes and organometallic complexes based on Co, Cu, or Al) for the photoreduction of CO2 to CO, and to exploit that CO directly in novel carbonylation reactions. The position is funded through a contrat doctoral at the Université de Lorraine (L2CM, UMR 7053, Metz), combining organometallic synthesis, photophysical and electrochemical characterization, and mechanistic analysis.

01/10/2026

CHIMIE MECANIQUE MATERIAUX PHYSIQUE (C2MP)

Education

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Organic Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, or a related field

Technical Skills

• Strong background in multistep organic and organometallic synthesis
• Experience with air- and moisture-sensitive techniques (i.e., Schlenk line)
• Proficiency in standard characterization techniques (NMR, IR, MS, GC, GC-MS, X-ray diffraction)
• Background in photocatalysis, electrochemistry, or photophysics
• Familiarity with DFT codes (ORCA, Gaussian) is a plus

Language

Excellent command of English (written and spoken); knowledge of French is welcome but not required

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate is rigorous and scientifically curious, comfortable working across synthetic and physical chemistry. The group values open exchange and a hands‑on culture where PhD students are expected to take ownership of their project early on.