Research Engineer in Solar Fuels/thermochemical processes (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

The work will be realized within an ANR project on fuels production (hydrogen, syngas) with solar energy from metal oxides cycles. The main objective is to develop a redox process by using thermal reduction of different oxides and their re-oxidation with steam or CO2 to produce pure hydrogen or syngas. This process only uses solar heat without electricity and thus, allows replacement of electrolysis.

The study first aims to synthesize new oxygen-conducting redox materials based on mixed oxides (doped ceria or perovskite structure) by chemical synthesis. DFT modelling approach for calculation of materials properties will be possibly considered to select the most promising systems. These materials will be characterized based on different available techniques (XRD, SEM/EDX, TGA…) and their thermochemical reactivity will be studied (chemical kinetics). New experimental means will be developed (devices and reactors coupled with dedicated furnaces) for the study of materials reactivity. The redox systems will also be experimentally studied in a solar reactor at the focus of a solar concentrator to determine the performance under real conditions. The shaping of materials will be investigated (porous structures, dense membranes). 3D structures supplied and shaped by project partners will also be studied in this reactor to optimize thermochemical fuel production and stability.

The study will also focus on the simulation of heat and mass transfer in multiphase flows, through the development of numerical models involving heat and mass transfer phenomena relevant to chemical reactors, solid-gas reactions, and energy systems.

Activity

The project aims to develop a thermochemical redox process for green hydrogen or syngas production. The activities and methodology involve different steps and the following activities will be developed:
- Review of existing redox processes based on oxides cycling for hydrogen or syngas production, thermodynamic analysis, DFT modelling,
- Design of new experimental set-ups,
- Synthesis, characterization and study of the reactivity of materials,
- Shaping of ceramic materials,
- Experimental studies in a solar reactor at the focus of a concentrator at Odeillo,
- Modelling of heat and mass transfer,
- Data treatment, exploitation and detailed analysis of results, reporting/articles writing,
- Participation to the project activities, meetings organization, partners interactions, organization and planning of activities.

Your Profil

Skills

The candidate (M/F) (Engineer or PhD doctor) must have a specific background in process chemical engineering or materials chemistry (chemical reactors, thermochemistry, kinetics, thermodynamic analysis, mass/energy balances, materials characterization). Experience in one of the following domains would be positive: shaping of porous or dense ceramics with a controlled geometry, synthesis and characterization of materials, DFT modelling, modelling of multiphase flows and reactors. Interest in both experimental and theoretical studies is necessary, as well as a good practice of scientific English (writing skills).

Your Work Environment

The position is based at the PROMES Odeillo laboratory (CNRS 1MW solar furnace) located in the Pyrénées Orientales at an altitude of 1600 m, 100 km from Perpignan, 20 km from Spain and 40 km from Andorra. Promes is a research unit of CNRS (UPR 8521) belonging to INSIS institute. The work will be carried out in the Solar Fuels team at Odeillo which develops researches on the production of new energy carriers and materials using thermochemical processes.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

3143€ gross per month

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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