PhD offer: Radioelement complexing polymers for the production of sprayable aqueous solutions for the gentle, non-destructive decontamination of materials

18 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier UMR 5253 ICGM

Research Field

Chemistry » Organic chemistry

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

30 Apr 2024 - 20:00 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The proposed project is positioned in the field of 'Decontamination'. It concerns the development of water-soluble radionuclide-complexing polymers capable of producing aqueous formulations of sprayable nanogels. These will be used to decontaminate equipment. Ideally, the complexation of radionuclides by aqueous formulations will lead to an increase in viscosity, enabling the complexing organic material to be removed from the surface very easily. After desorption of the radioactive cations, the polymers could be recycled, minimizing the final waste.

The aim of this thesis is to synthesize and evaluate copolymers that effectively complex radionuclides to form sprayable nanogels for non-destructive decontamination of porous materials. These inexpensive polymers, which can be prepared on a large scale, will have a suitable viscosity to facilitate their spraying and "clinging" to porous surfaces, especially vertical ones. What's more, these gels will be able to exhibit higher viscosities as they complex the radioelements, facilitating their removal and minimizing the amount of waste generated. This concept is based on the use of nanogels, which are aqueous solutions of nanoparticles (nanoscale) of polymers of lower viscosity than hydrogels (easy spraying, effective treatment of porous surfaces) and capable of leading to an increase in viscosity through complexation of radionuclides (possibility of easily removing the polymer/radioelement complexes formed). Ideally, these materials will be recyclable. The proposed concept represents a break with existing solutions. It will be a source of beneficial innovations not only for the defense sector (decontamination of military installations), but also for civil and industrial research (decontamination of civil nuclear installations).

The scientific and technical objectives essential to the development of the project are :
(i) Synthesis and characterization of stimulable copolymers carrying radionuclide complexing groups
(ii) Study of the complexing properties of the various copolymers with respect to uranium(VI), thorium(IV), cerium(III), caesium(I) and strontium(II)
(iii) Physico-chemical studies: study of polymer viscosity in aqueous media, study of nanogel solution sputtering, study of recyclability.
(iv) Study of the spraying of aqueous nanogel solutions on contaminated real objects.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry » Organic chemistry

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate, currently in M2 or final year of engineering school, should have knowledge and skills in Macromolecular Chemistry, and skills in Separative and Process Chemistry would be a plus. Autonomous, rigorous and keen on experimental science, he/she should also have good writing (French and English) and interpersonal skills.

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institut Charles Gerhardt

Country

France

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Montpellier

Website

https://www.umontpellier.fr/recherche/unites-de-recherche/pole-chimie/institut-de-chimie-moleculaire-et-des-materiaux-institut-charles-gerhardt-montpellier-icgm

Street

163 rue Auguste Broussonnet

STATUS: EXPIRED