Description du poste
**RESEARCH GROUPS CIMEND AND CISCO2, LABORATORY UCCS**
**« Microfluidic Production and Mechanical Characterization of Cerium Oxide Microspheres »**
**PERIOD:** 6 months / 2027 — starting date to be agreed
**Compensation:** allowance of approximately €600/month
**Supervisor: Jesus F. ONTIVEROS, Murielle RIVENET**
**Location:** UCCS – Cité scientifique campus, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
**Phone number:** +33 (0)3 20 33 63 65
**Email:** jesus-fermin.ontiveros@centralelille.fr
**Email:** murielle.rivenet@centralelille.fr
**Abstract:**
This internship focuses on the production of porous cerium oxide microspheres using microfluidics. It builds on research conducted jointly by UCCS and ORANO within the “Fuel Cycle and Uranium Chemistry” joint research laboratory (LR4CU). Previous work established a microfluidic setup that disperses an aqueous solution containing a cerium-based inorganic precursor in silicone oil, followed by thermally induced droplet gelation.
The first objective will be to optimize the existing setup and the flow and gelation conditions to increase the production rate while controlling microsphere size and limiting coalescence and agglomeration. The gelled particles will then undergo heat treatment to obtain cerium oxide microspheres, whose final size, morphology and structure will be characterized. The addition of pore-forming agents to the formulation will also be investigated to control the porosity of the resulting particles.
A further objective will be to develop a mechanical characterization method using microindentation or another suitable technique. This work will involve selecting an appropriate method, assessing its repeatability and establishing the conditions under which Young’s modulus can be determined. Experimental work will combine microfluidic processing with structural, microstructural and spectroscopic characterization, including infrared and Raman spectroscopy.
The successful candidate will join the CIMEND and CISCO2 teams at UCCS and work with a multidisciplinary team of academic researchers and ORANO experts.
**Keywords:** Microfluidics, cerium oxide, porous microspheres, pore-forming agents, mechanical properties, nuclear applications.
**Techniques:** Microfluidic droplet generation, thermal gelation, heat treatment, particle size and morphology analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, microindentation or another suitable mechanical testing technique.
**Skills required:** Master’s student (M2) in Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Solid-State Chemistry or Chemical/Process Engineering. Strong interest in experimental work. Knowledge of microfluidics, hydrodynamics, rheology or mechanics of materials would be an asset. Experimental rigor, autonomy, scientific curiosity, critical thinking and communication skills.
**Application:** Please send your CV and a cover letter to both contacts listed above.
**Access authorization:** The position is located in a restricted research area. The intern