Effect of zeolitic catalysts on the mechanisms of the transformation of biomass-based sugars

The PhD project is proposed in the context of the transformation and upgrading of lignocellulosic biomass into platform molecules for the chemical industry. The goal of the project is to understand and rationalize the reaction mechanisms of biomass-based sugars with heterogeneous catalysts based on zeolites by combined experimental and theoretical approaches. In particular, the selectivity of the transformations will be addressed, and the several possible competitive pathways for upgrading or degradation of the said molecules will be examined. The project will combine experimental kinetics, synthesis of catalytic materials and ab initio molecular modeling. The comparison and synergy between the results of the different approaches should allow for a better understanding of the chemical reactivity involved, and pave the way toward a rational design of new catalysts or conversion processes. 
Through this project the candidate should thus be trained to a variety of techniques and approaches for the fundamental and applied research in the field of catalysis and biomass transformation, which should  him/her with a suitable training to look for a position in academia or industry.

Keywords: biomass, sugars, kinetics, spectroscopy, ab initio calculation, zeolites

• Academic supervisor    PhD, CHIZALLET Céline, IFPEN, http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5140-8397
• Doctoral School    ED 206, Doctoral School of Chemistry of LYON, https://www.edchimie-lyon.fr/  
• IFPEN supervisor    PhD, LARMIER Kim, Molecular Catalysis Department, kim.larmier@ifpen.fr, http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5199-1516 
• PhD location    IFP Energies nouvelles, Lyon, France
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting preferably on October 1, 2021
• Employer    IFP Energies nouvelles, Lyon, France
• Academic requirements    University Master degree in chemistry or chemical engineering
• Language requirements    Fluency in French or English, willingness to learn French
• Other requirements    Training or experience in computational chemistry would be a plus