Synthesis of Advanced Carbon Materials through Zeolite Templating

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:

• Structural: XRD, electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), Raman/IR spectroscopy.
• Textural: Gas physisorption (N2, Ar, CO2, H2), TGA.
• Compositional: GC/MS, elemental analysis.
• Adsorption Tests: High-pressure isotherms, selectivity for CO2/H2 and CO2/CH4

The Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP) is a multidisciplinary joint research unit (UMR) of the University of Poitiers and the CNRS (INC and INSU) in the fields of chemistry and geosciences of the surface (UMR 7285). Created in 2012, it results from the merger of four Unités Mixtes de Recherche (LACCO, LCME, SRSN and HYDRASA) historically present in Poitiers for more than 40 years. It has about 260 members (about 100 researchers and research teachers and about 50 permanent technical staff, and around 110 non-permanent staff, including 90 PhD students).

Required Profile

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.