The Université de Lorraine (L2CM, UMR 7053) invites applications for a PhD position in Organometallic Chemistry and Sustainable Catalysis, within the research project:

“Novel CAAC-Based Complexes Using Abundant Metals for Hydrogenation Reactions”

The project aims to develop new cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC)-based ligands and investigate their coordination chemistry with earth-abundant metals to enable efficient and sustainable hydrogenation catalysis. Catalytic hydrogenation using molecular dihydrogen is a cornerstone of green chemistry, yet the selective reduction of relatively inert carbonic acid derivatives, such as carbonates, carbamates, and ureas, remains a major challenge. Developing catalytic systems capable of transforming these substrates under mild conditions using non-precious metals would establish a sustainable route for CO2 valorization, as these compounds are easily derived from CO2. Extending this strategy to polymeric analogues could further provide innovative approaches to chemical recycling, contributing to the mitigation of global plastic waste.

Research Objectives

The PhD candidate will be involved in:

• Design and synthesis of novel bi- and tridentate CAAC ligands
• Exploration of coordination chemistry with first-row transition metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni).
• Full characterization of organometallic complexes
• Evaluation of catalytic activity in hydrogenation reactions
• Mechanistic investigations using NMR, IR spectroscopy, kinetic studies, and DFT calculations

The project combines advanced ligand design, air-sensitive organometallic synthesis, homogeneous catalysis, and mechanistic analysis within a sustainability-driven framework.