Functionalized MOFs for the photoelectroreduction of CO2 and oxidation of water

Objectives: In the very active field of CO2 reduction into valuable chemicals, semiconductors, molecular complexes and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) - or their combinations - have been particularly considered for the photochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). In the last five years, our team has focused  research efforts on MOF-based systems for photocatalytic applications. On the one hand, we have combined a cobalt-polyoxometalate catalyst and the photosensitive porphyrinic MOF-545 to provide the first noble metal-free heterogeneous photocatalyst for water oxidation: the Co-POM@MOF -545 composite possesses remarkable water oxidation activities and recyclability under visible light illumination (J. Am. Chem. Soc.2018, 140, 3613; ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2019, 11, 47837-47845). On the other hand, our group has also developped MOF-based materials towards CO2RR using targeted functionalization strategies of porous solids (ChemSusChem2015, 8, 603-608; Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2020, 59, 5116-5122, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 20, 9428-9438). The post-doc position will build on the above recent achievement of our team on metal-organic frameworks functionalized for CO2 reduction and water oxidation. Our ambition is to bring the above MOF-545-based catalysts into the realm of photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 and oxidation of water, making use of our optimized MOF-545-based catalysts, while optimizing the electrodes preparation.

Potential Candidates should have a PhD in electrochemistry and a strong background in materials science and catalysis:

• Expertise in electrochemistry and electrocatalysis, know-how in deposition methods and electrode preparation
• Expertise in electrocatalysis is mandatory
• Background in MOF chemistry is highly desirable
• Experience in photoelectrocatalysis would appreciated
• Excellent publication record

Personal Skills

• Autonomy and overall lab in-charge involvement,
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team
• Demonstrated ability to work proactively to progress a research project
• Demonstrated ability to organize own workload
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Clear and fluent report writing and oral communication
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership and responsibility for projects
• management of students, ability to supervise and train early stage researchers

Applications: Cover letter, detailed CV and contact information for three references should be sent to Dr. Caroline Mellot-Draznieks ( [email protected] ). Interviews will be proposed on reception of these required documents .