MADIREL Thesis – Adsorption and Transport of Organochlorine Compounds in Zeolites

The application deadline is April 10, 2026, for a thesis start date in October 2026.

Project

Organochlorine compounds are toxic and carcinogenic pollutants originating from industrial uses or
thermal processes. Their high persistence and dispersion in the environment call for the development of
efficient materials for their capture. Adsorption on porous materials is a key strategy for pollution control as well as for separation and sensing devices. A detailed understanding of both thermodynamic adsorption properties and transport and diffusion mechanisms in porous media is essential to optimize
such materials. The MADIREL laboratory specializes in the synthesis, shaping, and characterization of
porous materials with controlled surface chemistry, and in the study of their adsorption properties.
The aim of this PhD project is to develop zeolite-based materials with enhanced performance for the
adsorption and transport of organochlorine compounds, including in the presence of competing species
such as water. The study will focus on FAU-type zeolites with different morphologies (powders, beads),
for which the NaX form has already demonstrated excellent adsorption performance [1]. To further optimize affinity, selectivity, and diffusion properties, the influence of different chargecompensating cations will be investigated. The most promising cations will be selected in advance through DFT calculations, within a collaboration with L2CM (Nancy). The selected materials will then be synthesized, shaped, and experimentally evaluated.

Research work

• Synthesis and characterization of zeolites: hydrothermal synthesis from natural clays, using green chemistry methods, and structural and textural characterization (XRD, SEM/TEM, N₂ adsorption, TGA, etc.).
• Adsorption and transport under dynamic conditions: study of gas phase adsorption using breakthrough curves with an experimental device coupled to an online mass spectrometer.
• TG-MS analysis: after adsorption, a thermogravimeter coupled with a mass spectrometer will be used to identify adsorption sites, determine desorption energies, and access the kinetic parameters of organochlorine diffusion within zeolites [2,3].

Profile and application

The candidate must have a solid foundation in the physical chemistry of materials and a strong interest in experimental work. An excellent academic record is expected (minimum grade of “good” desired).

• Thesis offer subject to the 2026 competition of the Doctoral School of Chemical Sciences / ED 250.
• Oral exam scheduled for May 21 and 22, 2026, in Marseille.
• Application deadline: April 10, 2026.

To apply, please send a CV, cover letter, transcripts for Master’s 1 and 2, and two external contacts (for recommendation) to:

• Dr. Véronique Wernert: veronique.wernert@univ-amu.fr
• Dr. Nicolas Martin: nicolas.martin@univ-amu.fr