Caractérisation structurale de coacervats inorganiques-métalliques obtenus par complexation de nanoparticules métalliques stabilisées par des liquides ioniques polymérisés et des polyanions

Research

L’objectif global du projet est la conception d’une nouvelle classe de nanocatalyseurs poreux hautement actifs, sélectifs et recyclables grâce à une stratégie basée sur la complexation électrostatique non covalente de nanoparticules métalliques (MNP) d’intérêt catalytique stabilisées par des liquides ioniques polymérisés cationiques (PIL) avec des polyanions pour construire des réseaux hétérogènes en 3D avec des propriétés catalytiques sans précédent.

Preliminary results have shown that ruthenium nanoclusters stabilized in aqueous solution by a corona of cationic PILs (Ru@PIL(+)) do form coacervates upon complexation with anionic polyelectrolytes. The recruited candidate will be in charge of the structural description of this system at multi-length scales to establish structure/property relationships. This will include:

1. in a first time the fine characterization of the individual Ru@PIL(+) as function of chosen PILs, including their organization in solution, the structure of PIL corona, and spatial distribution of their counter-anions,
2. the internal local structure of the coacervates.

The main structural tool will be the Small angle scattering (SAS) by coupling X-rays (SAXS) and neutrons (SANS), using the full experimental range of possibilities offered by the technique (contrast variation in SANS or SAXS by anomalous measurements, time-resolved experiments with a stopped-flow setup), in combination with others techniques such as TEM, DLS or zeta-potential measurements.

Context The project is funded by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche in France for 18 months. The work will be performed at the Laboratoire Léon-Brillouin in Saclay (close to Paris), in strong collaboration with Joan Vignolle and Christophe Schatz (LCPO Bordeaux) and Rosa Axet (LCC Toulouse). Motivated candidates should have a solid expertise in physics of soft matter and scattering techniques (light, x-ray, neutrons).

If prospective applicants would like to discuss the post informally, please contact:
Dr. Fabrice Cousin Dr. Alexis Chennevière
Send applications to above emails, include CV with names and addresses of two referees / motivation letter required