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

Job title:

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

Company:

Job description

Offer DescriptionThe 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.RequirementsResearch Field Chemistry » Organic chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalentSkills/QualificationsThe 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 InformationWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institut Charles Gerhardt Country France GeofieldWhere to apply E-mailsophie.monge-darcos@umontpellier.frContact CityMontpellier WebsiteStreet163 rue Auguste BroussonnetSTATUS: EXPIRED

Expected salary

Location

Montpellier

Job date

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 02:38:41 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (vacanciesineu.com) you saw this job posting.