Missions

The objective of this postdoc is to characterize a nanosecond repetitive pulsed discharge in CH4 both during and after an electrical pulse. Specifically, it is necessary to determine the temperature and chemical composition.

Activités

The postdoctoral researcher will carry out
- measurements of hydrocarbon composition using multi-pass Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy,
- measurements of temperature and concentrations of other species (e.g., H2). These measurements will be performed using spontaneous Raman scattering.

If necessary, other techniques such as optical emission spectroscopy (OES), two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence (TALIF), or laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS) may also be considered.

Compétences

The postdoctoral candidate should have a background in experimental measurements and optical diagnostics. Preference will be given to candidates who also have training in plasma physics.

Contexte de travail

France's National Energy and Climate Plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across several sectors. Hydrogen is widely regarded as a promising clean alternative to the conventional combustion of fossil fuels. However, although hydrogen combustion does not produce carbon dioxide, many challenges remain on the path to large-scale clean hydrogen production. Today, over 90% of hydrogen is produced via steam methane reforming, which emits approximately 11 tons of CO2 per ton of hydrogen produced. The main clean alternative — water electrolysis — requires a high electricity input of at least 40 kWh/kg of H2. Another alternative is methane plasmolysis, in which methane is converted into H2 and solid, non-oxidized carbon C(s). The solid carbon can be easily separated from the hydrogen gas. Methane pyrolysis does not emit carbon dioxide and, in theory, requires only 5 kWh/kg of H2. The startup Spark Cleantech has developed an innovative approach to producing non-thermal methane plasmas at atmospheric pressure using nanosecond repetitive pulsed (NRP) discharges. These discharges accelerate the chemical conversion into H2 and C(s) at reduced temperatures (below 1200 °C). However, the kinetics of NRP methane discharges under these conditions are not well understood. The goal of the ANR CH4Kin project is to develop a model capable of describing this kinetics, validated through experimental measurements.

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 candidate will work with systems containing nanoparticles.