(M/F) PhD offer: Direct electrification of catalytic particles in a fixed-bed reactor using Joule effect for the decarbonization of industry

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Within the framework of the ANR program (ANR-25-CE51-0120), the e-FixedBed project aims to develop a new concept for a catalytic electrified reactor by in-situ heating of a fixed bed by passing an electric current directly through it. Currently, the Joule effect heating concept has been studied for five years, either by passing current through the external tube of the bed or in-situ using a structured conductive material such as open-porosity foams for primarily endothermic catalytic reactions. While the concept has been demonstrated, the use of foams as a catalyst support remains very restrictive because a coating is required to deposit the active phase; and above all, the quantity of catalyst per unit volume remains low, leading to more limited volumetric productivities compared to a traditional fixed bed, even considering the benefits of foams in mitigating external diffusion limitations, for example. The project will address the issues of bed material, starting with biochar-based supports. The thesis addresses the challenges of solid-solid contact points and electric current flow; heat transfer performance; application with the RWGS reaction and dry reforming; and finally, issues related to the safety of this electrified process, scale-up, and preliminary techno-economic aspects.

The objectives of this thesis are:
i) to understand and optimize current flow in a particle stack;
ii) to implement a proof of concept for a Joule-effect electrified reactor for the RWGS reaction and conduct a parametric study;
iii) to study the scale-up of the concept through modeling/simulation.

Your Work Environment

The successful PhD candidate will work across two laboratories: IRCELYON and CP2M, both located on the same site (Campus la Doua in Villeurbanne). They will also collaborate with project partners such as the Ampère laboratory, which is responsible for developing solids and addressing electrical issues; the ICPEES laboratory, which will functionalize the conductive supports for the target catalytic reaction; and part of the work conducted at IRCELYON on risk analysis and a techno-economic study.
This PhD research will be experimental, requiring analytical techniques, reaction implementation, and modeling. The candidate will possess strong knowledge in process engineering and/or catalysis (Master's level or engineering degree).

The successful candidate will be mentored by a team with complementary skills in catalysis, kinetics, reaction engineering, and modeling/simulation, possessing recognized expertise in the field of catalytic reactor intensification and electrification. They will benefit from an excellent environment, both technically, with numerous platforms, and scientifically, within IRCELYON and CP2M.

Constraints and risks

No particular constraints or risks

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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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