Domain, Specialties : Materials chemistry
Keywords: crystallization, non-classical nucleation, X-ray scattering, cryo-microscopy
Research Unit : NIMBE / LIONS
Summary
This project addresses a deep fundamental question with numerous practical implications: why and when do unexpected “mineral emulsions” form prior to crystallization in solution?
Full description
It is now widely accepted that ions in solution assemble into crystals via a series of transient non-crystalline states, which fundamentally contradicts all classical nucleation theories. Our group is expert in detecting experimentally such transient non-crystalline states at the nanometer scale and reaction times below 1s, using in particular synchrotron techniques (Small Angle X-ray Scattering coupled to milli to microfluidic setups, cryo X-ray Microscopy). We thus have shown recently that rare-earth oxalate crystals (used e.g. in recycling processes) form via reactant-rich and liquid nanodroplets that separate from the aqueous solvent.
The goal of this internship is to experimentally test a fundamental hypothesis about mineral nanodroplets: confirm or refute that transient mineral droplets of rare earth malonate are consistent with the standard theoretical description of liquid-liquid phase separation. We hope that this study will have an impact not only on the precipitation processes used in the recycling of certain elements, but also that it will advance a fundamental question that has been debated for a long time.
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: 3 février 2025
Experimental skills
Language : English
Useful methods and technics: cryo-electron transmission microscopy, Small-angle X-ray Scattering
Computer languages and software: Python
Supervisor
David Carrière
Phone: 01 69 08 54 89
Email :
Head of the laboratory NIMBE / LIONS
Antoine Thill
Phone: 01 69 08 99 82