Thesis in Chemical characterization and evolution of tire wear emissions: from source signatures to transformation and hygroscopic properties (TWEET)

Background of the position:

Road transport remains a major contributor to air pollution. While exhaust emissions have been significantly reduced through technological advances and the progressive electrification of vehicles, non-exhaust emissions—including brake, road, and tire wear—are increasingly recognized as dominant and still poorly characterized sources of pollutants. Among these, tire wear particles (TWPs) constitute a complex mixture of organic compounds, additives, and metals, emitted both in the particulate and semi-volatile phases1,2. TWPs accumulate in many environments (air, stormwater runoff or through bioaccumulation in vegetation and animals) and can be a major source of microplastics and heavy metals that are toxic to human and environmental health. Despite growing attention, important uncertainties remain regarding the chemical composition, atmospheric transformation, and environmental behavior of tire-derived emissions. In particular, the impact of atmospheric aging on their physicochemical properties—such as oxidation state, surface reactivity, and interaction with water—remains insufficiently understood3.

This collaborative PhD project between IMT Nord Europe and the Université de Lille (LASIRE UMR 8516 CNRS) aims to characterize tire wear particulate emissions from primary release to atmospheric evolution. The objectives are to (i) develop a method to quantify TWP and their selected additives using pyrolysis-GC-MS,

(ii) identify chemical tracers of TWPs in controlled and real-world samples,

(iii) investigate compositional and surface changes induced by aging, and

(iii) assess their hygroscopic properties.

At IMT Nord Europe, emissions from new and aged tires (summer, winter, and all-season) will be analyzed using complementary techniques including microchambers, TD-GC-MS, pyrolysis-GC-MS, and FTIR spectroscopy to determine molecular composition and functional groups. Samples collected in traffic-influenced environments will be studied to evaluate the relevance of identified tracers under realistic conditions. TWP’s metal content and distribution in the particles will be investigated using ICP-MS and surface-sensitive approaches. At LASIRE, particle morphology, elemental composition, degree of encrustation and surface characteristics will be examined using electron microscopy (MEB/EDX), while electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) will be employed to identify persistent radical species formed during aging and assess their potential role in particle reactivity. The project will also examine how simulated and real environmental aging modifies the interaction of TWPs with water, providing insight into their evolving physicochemical properties in the atmosphere. Overall, this work will improve the mechanistic understanding of tire wear as an emerging source of urban air pollution and support its consideration in air quality studies.

Discipline : CERI EE

Line Manager : CERI Director

Workplace : IMT Nord Europe (campus Bourseul, Douai)

Type of contract and duration : CDD (36 months)

Context :

Public establishment belonging to IMT (Institut Mines-Télécom), placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty, IMT Nord Europe has three main objectives: providing our students with ethically responsible engineering practice enabling them to solve 21st century issues, carrying out our R&D activities leading to outstanding innovations and supporting territorial development through innovation and entrepreneurship. Ideally positioned at the heart of Europe, 1 hour away from Paris, 30 min from Brussels and 1h30 from London, IMT Nord Europe has strong ambitions to become a main actor of the current industrial transitions, digital and environmental, by combining education and research on engineering and digital technologies.

Located on two main campuses dedicated to research and education in Douai and Lille, IMT Nord Europe offers research facilities of almost 20,000m² in the following areas:

•              Digital science,

•              Energy and Environment,

•              Materials and Processes.

For more details, visit the School’s website : www.imt-nord-europe.fr

The position is vacant within the Center for Energy and Environment of IMT Nord Europe institute (CERI EE).  The CERI EE develops activities at the heart of the energy and environmental transitions. Its research focuses on atmospheric sciences, indoor environmental quality, and the challenges of energy efficiency and decarbonization (https://recherche.imt-nord-europe.fr/energie-environnement-ceri/). The CERI is structured around three thematic areas: (i) EFT (Energy, Fluids and Transfer Processes), (ii) OSPA (Observations, Sources and Atmospheric Processes), and (iii) QEI (Indoor Environmental Quality).

Required Profile

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong background in atmospheric chemistry, physical chemistry, or a related field.

The ideal candidate should have:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in atmospheric chemistry, physical chemistry, environmental science, or a closely related discipline

• Knowledge of analytical techniques, particularly spectrometric and/or spectroscopic methods (e.g., GC-MS, FTIR, or similar)

• Interest in experimental laboratory work and physicochemical characterization of complex systems

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and international research environment

• Strong organizational skills, scientific rigor and autonomy

• Good communication skills in English (written and spoken)

Previous experience with atmospheric simulation chambers, aerosol analysis, or advanced analytical instrumentation will be considered an asset. The candidate will be involved in a collaborative research project at the interface of atmospheric chemistry, materials science, and environmental analysis, with opportunities for interaction with other laboratories from the cross-disciplinary project “Aerosols at the heart of the atmosphere” (CDP AREA) research consortium. Participation in teaching activities of CERI EE may also be considered, up to a maximum of 64 hours.

The job is to be filled as to 01/11/26 for a period of 36 months (temporary contract).