Cellulose occurs in nature as highly resistant fibers. After hydrolysis, rod-like solid nanocrystals (200 nm in length) are recovered. These nanoparticles have recently been attracting much attention for their unique characteristics such as sustainability, hydrophilicity, facile surface functionalization, high mechanical properties and combustibility. As a result, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) appear as versatile bio-sourced platforms with amphiphilic contrasted surfaces that might develop hydrogen bonds, van der Waals and electrostatic interactions. Therefore, strategies arise to use them into functional materials and formulations.
We propose a post-doctoral position for 18 months (starting as soon as possible), to prepare and characterize hybrid nanoparticles cellulose / titane dioxide. This is a part of a larger program aiming at preparing alternative particles with photocatalytic properties to be included in various formulations in collaboration with industrials. It will be located at INRA (the French National Institute for Agricultural Research) in Nantes in the Biopolymers, Interactions Assemblies unit (about 170 people involved in research on biopolymers). The applicant will have access to the instruments available at the institute (NMR, AFM, TEM, IR/UV spectroscopies, QCM-D) as well as other instruments available locally or via the labex network.
This work is part of a collaborative project funded by the LABEX SERENADE (Safe(r) Ecodesign Research and Education applied to Nanomaterial DEvelopment). Labex SERENADE aims at building a dynamic network of academic research laboratories and industries to design tomorrow's nanomaterials that will be safer for both humans and the environment.
Applicants should send a CV and description of research interests, and provide letters of recommendation if possible. A good experimental background is required. Knowledge of at least one of the following topics is particularly welcome : Cellulose, Physico-chemistry of biopolymers, nanotechnology.
Deadline for the application : 10 december 2015
Contacts : Isabelle Capron & Bernard Cathala
Unité de Recherche sur les Biopolymères, Interactions et Assemblages
Rue de la Géraudière – B.P. 71627 – 44316 NANTES Cedex 3
Contact :Isabelle Capron- Tel : 02 40 67 50 95
