CEDoc MSN: MEME Predoc OPTIMIZATION OF TRIPLE SUPERPHOSPHATE

"OPTIMIZATION OF TRIPLE SUPERPHOSPHATE (TSP) QUALITY THROUGH ADVANCED CATALYTIC APPROACHES"

1. Introduction UM6P / MSN:

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University is an institution dedicated to research and innovation in Africa and aims to position itself among world-renowned universities in its fields. The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. A mechanism that enables it to consolidate Morocco's frontline position in these fields, in a unique partnership-based approach and boosting skills training relevant for the future of Africa. Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

The Materials Science, Energy, and nano-engineering (MSN) is a department at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University that aims to makes use of innovative research and education in order to promote solution development and entrepreneurship (in the context of Moroccan and African challenges), while training the next generation top scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs. Research at MSN is organized in 4 research areas: Energy transition, Surface technology, Polymers and composites, and sustainable materials. With more than 70 researchers and PhD students and several national and international partners, MSN is emerging as a strong actor in the Moroccan materials research scene. The department coordinates Master program in Materials science and engineering as well as several executive master programs.

MSN / UM6P is looking for freshly graduated students from top Engineering Schools or Master Programs, as well as, for young professionals who have the ambition to propel their career by joining a world class research program at the Materials Science, Energy, and Nano-engineering (MSN) department at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).

MEME Predoc (Post-Graduate Advanced Master of Engineering / Philosphy in Energy, Materials and Entrepreneurship) is a one-year Master Programme created by the MSN department of the UM6P, which delivers an intensive curriculum designed for freshly graduated students and young professionals seeking to take their career to the next level. This unique predoc programme is taught in English. Each selected candidate will be 100% sponsored thanks to a project (Industrial and/or Fundamental project including Entrepreneurship bootcamps). In top of this fees-free registration, each student receives a stipend per month along with the access to all UM6P facilities (library, sport activities, SOLE, accommodation, Startgate, etc.).

2. Context:

This project addresses the critical challenge of improving Triple Superphosphate (TSP) fertilizer quality to meet growing agricultural demands while enhancing resource efficiency in phosphate processing. With increasing global food security concerns and stricter quality standards for phosphate fertilizers, our research focuses on developing innovative homogeneous catalytic approaches to optimize TSP production processes.

3. Research Objectives :

• Systematically analyze existing TSP production methods and their limitations regarding product quality and process efficiency.

• Explore the potential of homogeneous catalytic systems for enhancing phosphate solubilization and reducing impurities in TSP manufacturing.

• Optimize process parameters to determine ideal conditions for catalyst performance, including concentration ratios, reaction temperature, and processing time.

• Conduct comprehensive physical and chemical characterization to validate improvements in phosphorus availability and product stability.

• Perform economic and environmental analysis comparing the catalytic approach with conventional TSP production methods, focusing on energy consumption, raw material efficiency, and waste reduction.

4. Admission Criteria:

• Holder of a Master's degree or higher in chemistry, chemical engineering.

• Experience in materials characterization and analytical chemistry.
• Basic knowledge of process engineering and catalysis.

• Skills in planning and conducting laboratory experiments.
• Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data.

• Team-working aptitude and good scientific communication skills.

• Experience in the chemical or fertilizer industry would be an asset.

Important documents for application: CV, cover letter, transcripts, letters of recommendation