Nanostructured Oxides for CO2 Capture: Robot-Assisted Synthesis and Artificial Intelligence Research

Domain, Specialties : Materials chemistry
Keywords: CO₂ capture, Nanomaterials, Artificial Intelligence, Small-Angle X-ray scattering

Research Unit : NIMBE / LIONS

Summary

This internship explores the discovery of new nanostructured oxides for CO₂ capture using an approach combining robotic synthesis and artificial intelligence. The project aims to validate this innovative methodology while identifying materials with improved performance.

Full description

The automation of chemical synthesis assisted by artificial intelligence opens new prospects for accelerated discovery of functional materials. However, the validity of these approaches compared to conventional methods remains to be established, particularly for the synthesis of nanostructured oxides intended for CO₂ capture and sequestration.

The internship addresses two complementary scientific questions:

Methodological validation: Determine whether robotic synthesis produces materials equivalent to those obtained by conventional routes, or whether automation generates specific synthesis pathways with distinct properties
Parameter space exploration: Systematically explore the influence of multiple parameters (oxide types, nanostructuring agents, injection protocols) to identify materials exceeding current CO₂ capture performance

The intern will implement an experimental protocol combining:

Solution-based syntheses, both automated (Opentrons Flex robot) and manual for comparison
Structural characterization by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, laboratory and synchrotron)
Adsorption property measurements (BET, CO₂ capture/release) in collaboration with ENSTA
Programming for robot control and data analysis

This high-throughput approach will enable exploration of a parameter space inaccessible by conventional methods.

Experimental skills developed:

Oxide synthesis in solution (conventional and robotic methods)
Advanced characterization techniques (SAXS, physisorption, gas adsorption)
Use of automated equipment and associated programming

Methodological skills developed:

High-throughput experiment design
Critical analysis of complex datasets
Rigorous scientific validation approach

The internship also offers the opportunity to work with advanced research equipment (synchrotron) and develop expertise at the interface between materials chemistry and computational methods.

The internship will take place within a 4-person team working on this topic, in a laboratory of approximately 30 researchers. The intern will have access to the following equipment:

Opentrons Flex synthesis robot
Laboratory X-ray scattering and synchrotron beamtime
Chemistry laboratory for synthesis and preparations
Gas characterization platform (CO₂ capture/release, BET)

Location

CEA Saclay, (91) Essonne, France

Internship conditions

Internship duration: 6 months
Level of study: Bac+5
Training: Master 2
Continuation in PhD thesis: Yes
Application deadline: 2 février 2026

Experimental skills

Candidate profile: Master’s degree (M2) in materials science, solid-state chemistry, physical chemistry, or related disciplines.

Knowledge of oxide synthesis and physicochemical characterization is desired. An interest in programming represents a significant asset to fully exploit the capabilities of the robotic approach. The project will particularly suit candidates interested in innovative methodological approaches in materials science and in issues related to the energy transition.

Language : English

Supervisor

David Carrière
Phone: +33 1 69 08 54 89
Email :

Head of the laboratory NIMBE / LIONS

Antoine Thill
Phone: +33 1 69 08 99 82