Missions

The aim of the post-doctoral research project for which we want to find a candidate is to study the electrocatalytic dehydrogenation of biosourced polyols as an organic liquid hydrogen carrier(LOHC). Indeed, the storage and transport of hydrogen gas is non-trivial and requires complex infrastructures. In the case of conventional technologies for storing hydrogen by liquefaction and compression, several challenges such as low storage density, losses, high costs, and safety and safety and transportation issues. In this context, the use of a LOHC is a promising way of simplifying hydrogen storage and transport.

Activités

The research work will start with a review of the scientific literature on the various electrocatalytic polyol dehydrogenation processes. It will also include a review of the state-of-the-art in materials used in electrochemical cells: catalysts, separators/membranes, diffusion layers and collector plates. The researcher (M/F) will be trained in the use of a device for spray deposition of catalysts on the membrane or diffusion layers - this device is available at Lemta. An experimental device to improve understanding of the dehydrogenation reaction of an organic liquid will be designed and set up. The design will include sizing of the electrochemical cell, choice of materials and auxiliaries, and metrological requirements. A literature review will allow to select the best components. Experimental tests will be carried out to determine the limitations of the process and the best operating conditions (temperature and fluid flow rates). In parallel, a mass, charge and heat transfer model will be developed at the cell level, in order to gain a better understanding of the phenomena observed experimentally. The development of the model will be based on the knowledge acquired by LEMTA researchers during several studies on water electrolysis. The combined modeling-experimentation approach will be used to study and optimize the process.

Compétences

The candidate (M/F) will have skills in catalysis and electrochemistry, including characterization methods. He/she will be able to prepare catalysts and, if necessary, deposit them on membranes or diffusion layers. He/she will be confortable with experimental works on instrumented test benches and have notions of modeling transfer phenomena

Contexte de travail

This research work is a part of the PEPR - BHyoLOHC project carried out in partnership with 3 other laboratories. The proposed work will take place at Lemta, in the “Hydrogen and Electrochemical Systems” team, which has solid expertise in building instrumented benches and cells for analyzing the performance of electrochemical hydrogen conversion systems. Experimental know-how is complemented by modeling skills, the main aim of which is to help understand observations and determine characteristic parameters.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

The researcher recruited (M/F) may have to go to the laboratories of the project partners to prepare catalysts - the duration of the stay may be up to approximately 1 week.
There are no risks associated with this project.