Fully Funded PhD in Electrochemical CO₂ Removal and Materials Chemistry (France) ESPCI Paris – PSL in France

ESPCI Paris – PSL in France is offering a fully funded 36-month PhD position focused on the development of innovative electrochemical microelectrode array systems for CO₂ removal from seawater. The project, titled "Seawater Treatment for CO₂ Removal via Electrochemical Microelectrode Arrays (STREAM)," aims to advance the field of carbon capture by designing new reactor architectures that enable direct CO₂ extraction from ocean or seawater. The research will integrate expertise in electrochemistry, materials chemistry, reactor engineering, and energy systems, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches.

The PhD project will involve the design and optimization of microelectrode arrays (MEAs) to facilitate efficient CO₂ capture and conversion, leveraging advanced electrochemical principles to shift carbonate equilibria and convert released CO₂ into value-added products such as CO. The work will include both experimental and theoretical components, including the use of CAD tools for reactor design and programming for data analysis. The project is highly collaborative, involving joint supervision at the Institute of Porous Materials of Paris (IMAP, Univ. PSL, ESPCI, ENS, CNRS) and the Institute of Chemistry Biology Innovation (CBI, Univ. PSL, ESPCI, CNRS).

Applicants should have a strong background in physical chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical or energy engineering, or materials chemistry. Essential skills include a solid understanding of electrochemical concepts, fluid dynamics, and hands-on experience in experimental electrochemistry. Experience with CAD tools (e.g., Autodesk Fusion 360) and programming (e.g., Python) is highly desirable. Candidates must be fluent in English and demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills.

The position is fully funded for 36 months, with salary provided according to the Doctoral School (ED397) requirements. The project is open to international students, and the start date is October 1, 2026. To apply, candidates should send a complete application (CV, motivation letter, and recommendation letters) to Dr. Loïc Assaud and Dr. Alexandr Oshchepkov at ESPCI Paris – PSL.

Key research areas include electrochemistry, CO₂ removal, seawater treatment, microelectrode arrays, materials chemistry, reactor engineering, and carbon capture. The project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainable energy and environmental science at a leading French institution.