Title: Structural analysis of functional polymers by dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) solid-state NMR
Financing: Agence Nationale de la Recherche - Net Remuneration: ~1700 € / month
Starting Date: October 2021
Topic Description: Functional polymer materials are about to play key roles in various fields of high societal significance (energy, health, environment). However, our tools for controlling the primary and secondary structures of these macromolecules remain rudimentary, hence impeding the development of next-generation materials with controlled molecular functions. In addition to novel synthetic routes, solving this challenge requires sophisticated atomic-level structural elucidation techniques, especially in the solid state where polymer materials are predominantly used. Solid-state NMR (SSNMR) is highly suitable for analyzing polymers, particularly those not amenable to diffraction studies, but is inherently insensitive. This project aims to overcome this limitation by using dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), a technique that enhances NMR sensitivity by transferring the electronic spin polarization of specific polarizing agents (most often stable organic radicals) to surrounding nuclei, in order to turn DNP SSNMR into a widely applicable and powerful technique for the atomic-level structural elucidation of functional polymers. In this context, the objectives of the PhD thesis are, on the one hand, to increase the gain of sensitivity brought about by DNP in the solid-state NMR analysis of polymeric materials – by designing efficient methods of sample preparation based on extrusion and impregnation with supercritical fluids – and, on the other hand, to apply this analytical technique to the structural study of functional polymers of industrial interest.
Environment: At the interface of the physico-chemistry of polymers and spectroscopy, this thesis will take place on the St Jérôme campus in Marseille (France) within the Fédération Sciences Chimiques Marseille (FR1739) in close collaboration with the Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR, UMR 7273) and the Laboratoire Mécanique, Modélisation et Procédés Propres (M2P2, UMR 7340).
Application: To apply, please send a CV and a cover letter to Dr. Fabio Ziarelli (fabio.ziarelli@univ-amu.fr). Please also provide a copy of the results obtained during the Master’s course as well as 2 letters of recommendation.
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