Incoming Mobility Only FUNCTIONALIZED NANOSILICA AS TOOL FOR SOBER CATALYSIS TOWARDS BIOMASS VALORIZATION

Incoming Mobility Only FUNCTIONALIZED NANOSILICA AS TOOL FOR SOBER CATALYSIS TOWARDS BIOMASS VALORIZATION

CHEMISTRY & GREEN CHEMISTRY

Lab: LCC

Duration: 5 to 6 months

Latest starting date: 04/01/2027

Localisation: LCC-IUT
5 Allée du Martinet
81100 CASTRES - FRANCE

Supervisors:
Dominique AGUSTIN dominique.agustin@utoulouse.fr

This research master's degree project could be followed by a PhD

Work package:
The G group of the LCC (based in Castres) develops greener catalytic methods, with a particular focus on solvent-free or solvent-minimized processes [1] and supported catalysts. Recently, polyoxometalates (POMs) ionically grafted onto Merrifield resins [2,3] or functionalized silica nanobeads [4–8] have shown promising catalytic properties for oxidation and epoxidation reactions. These beads have also been investigated as substitutes for conventional reagents [5]. The aim of this project is to further explore the functionalization of Stöber silica nanobeads, not only to graft catalysts (POMs or tin clusters) for the oxidation of natural substrates, but also to use these functionalized beads as reagent substitutes and/or solvent-mimicking materials. The project will combine materials synthesis, characterization and catalytic studies, with the objective of developing more sustainable and innovative chemical processes. All synthesis and catalytic experiments will be carried out in Castres. The materials will be fully characterized using several complementary techniques available in Castres and Toulouse.

References:
[1] B. Guérin, D. Mesquita Fernandes, J.-C. Daran, D. Agustin, R. Poli, New. J. Chem. 2013, 3466-3475. [2] J. Pisk, D. Agustin, R. Poli, Molecules. 24(4), 2019, 783. [3] A. Alhadi Haidar, P. Guillo, D. Agustin, Applied Sciences 15 (14), 2025, 7981 [4] Y. Wang, F. Gayet, P. Guillo, D. Agustin, Materials, 12(20), 2019, 3278. [5] Y. Wang, F. Gayet, J.-C. Daran, P. Guillo, D. Agustin, Molecules, 26(18), 2021, 5435. [6] I. Pulido Diaz, I. Guerrero-Diaz, D. Agustin, Catalysis Science & Technology, 2025, accepted [7] A. Alhadi Haidar, P. Guillo, D. Agustin, Applied Catalysis O: Open. 2025, accepted [8] A. Christophorou, A. Alhadi Haidar, D. Agustin, to be submitted

Areas of expertise:
Stöber process, inorganic synthesis, (ep)oxidation catalysis, coordination chemistry, infrared, DLS, TEM, NMR

Required skills for the internship:
knowledge of characterization techniques, basics in catalysis