General information
Offer title : PhD (M/F) on isopropanol catalytic dehydrogenation (H/F)
Reference : UMR5256-VALMEI-009
Number of position : 1
Workplace : VILLEURBANNE
Date of publication : 03 February 2026
Type of Contract : FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Contract Period : 36 months
Start date of the thesis : 4 May 2026
Proportion of work : Full Time
Remuneration : 2300 € gross monthly
Section(s) CN : 16 - Coordination chemistry, catalysis, interfaces, and processes
Description of the thesis topic
In the context of hydrogen storage in organic liquids (LOHC), the acetone/isopropanol pair was chosen for this study. The aim of the work is to develop a structured catalyst to carry out the dehydrogenation of isopropanol in a reactor-exchanger heated by the exhaust from a hydrogen combustion engine. The parameters to be studied are:
- the nature of the catalyst, then its shaping
- the operating pressure to be compatible with the hydrogen engine
- the dehydrogenation temperature, to be minimized
The project will be carried out as part of a European-African project, with around fifteen partners.
Skills in chemistry, catalysis, and process engineering will be appreciated.
Work Context
The thesis will be carried out on the La Doua campus, mainly in the Prettre building at IRCELYON, but with some experiments to be conducted in the Chevreul building.
The doctoral student will take part in project discussions and meetings with European and African partners. These meetings will be held in English..
The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.