Synthesis of Advanced Carbon Materials through Zeolite Templating

Organisation/Company Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers Research Field Chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 14 May 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Institute of Chemistry of Materials and Environments of Poitiers (IC2MP) is offering an ambitious PhD project focused on Zeolite-Templated Carbons (ZTC), a class of carbon materials with unique properties:

• Exceptionally high specific surface area (up to 3000 m²/g).
• High electrical conductivity, comparable to 3D graphene-like structures.
• Hierarchical porosity (micro- and mesopores), ideal for applications in energy storage/conversion and gas separation.

These materials are synthesized via a sacrificial templating method: a carbon precursor diffuses and reacts within the zeolite’s porosity, catalyzed by its acidic sites. After dissolving the zeolite, a nanostructured carbon skeleton (ZTC) is obtained.

This PhD aims to elucidate carbon formation mechanisms depending on the precursor, using in situ and ex situ methods. Various carbon sources will be studied to understand their impact on the structure and physicochemical properties of ZTCs.

Thesis Objectives

1. Investigate carbon formation mechanisms based on the nature of the precursor.
2. Correlate precursor structure with the physicochemical properties of ZTCs (porosity, conductivity, stability).
3. Evaluate gas adsorption and separation performance (for CO2/H2 and CO2/CH4 mixtures) under real conditions (high pressure).

Methodology

ZTC Synthesis: Optimization of parameters (temperature, time, atmosphere)

Advanced Characterization:

• Adsorption Tests: High-pressure isotherms, selectivity for CO2/H2 and CO2/CH4

Degree

Master’s in Materials Chemistry or Heterogeneous Catalysis

Technical Skills

• Experience in characterization of porous materials (physisorption, XRD, microscopy, spectroscopy)
• Knowledge of catalysis or gas adsorption is a plus
• Language: Fluent English (written and spoken)
• Personal Qualities: Autonomy, initiative, ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers Country France City Poitiers Geofield