PhD candidate (M/F) in chemical engineering for energetic valorization of gases electro-generated during wastewater treatment

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Thesis Title: “Self-Powered Electrochemical Systems Using Micro-Gas Turbines for the Sustainable Treatment of Contaminated Water”

Thesis funded by the CNRS–University of Sherbrooke Joint Program on Sustainable Technologies for Water and Energy.

1. Scientific Context
The scarcity of water resources and the increasing presence of emerging pollutants (pharmaceutical residues, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds – PFAS) pose major challenges for modern societies. Despite progress in wastewater treatment, many contaminants persist after conventional treatment and threaten aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Advanced electrochemical processes are currently among the most promising technologies for the degradation of these recalcitrant pollutants. They enable the in-situ generation of highly reactive oxidizing species without the addition of chemical reagents and can lead to the complete mineralization of contaminants. However, their large-scale deployment remains limited, particularly by their energy consumption. The international Turb'Eaux project proposes an innovative approach to transforming this constraint into an opportunity. The idea is to utilize the gases produced during electrochemical treatments (hydrogen, oxygen, and halogenated gases) using a micro-turbine capable of converting their energy into electricity. Ultimately, this strategy could significantly reduce the net energy consumption of the process and contribute to the development of low-carbon water treatment systems.

2. Thesis Objectives
This three-year thesis, funded by the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), will be conducted primarily at the GEPEA laboratory (UMR CNRS 6144). It will focus on developing an innovative electrochemical system capable of degrading emerging pollutants while generating energy-producing gases.

The main scientific objectives will be:
• To design and optimize an electrolyzer that simultaneously promotes mass transfer, contaminant degradation, and gas recovery;
• Study the influence of operating parameters (current density, reactor geometry, effluent composition, hydrodynamic conditions) on treatment performance and gas production;
• Qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the gases produced during electrolysis;
• Establish correlations between pollution control efficiency, electrochemical yield, and energy recovery potential;
• Develop coupled electrochemical and hydrodynamic models to predict process behavior;
• Participate in the integration of the system with a micro-gas turbine developed by Canadian partners to assess the feasibility of a partially self-powered process;
• Contribute to the evaluation of the overall energy efficiency of the technology.

3. Methodology
The doctoral candidate will conduct experimental and modeling work combining:
• electrochemistry applied to water treatment;
• design of innovative reactors;
• physicochemical and electrochemical characterization; • Analysis of dissolved macropollutants and micropollutants, as well as gases;
• Multiphysics modeling and data analysis;
• Integration of water-energy processes.

The research will focus on model effluents and then on real wastewater containing emerging pollutants of environmental concern.

4. Candidate Profile
The candidate must hold a Master's degree (or engineering degree) in process engineering. Expertise in electrochemical engineering, environmental engineering, energy engineering, and/or related disciplines will be an asset.

Required Skills:
• Solid theoretical and experimental foundation in process engineering; additional knowledge and experience in physical chemistry, electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, and/or water chemistry will be a major asset;
• Aptitude for experimental work;
• Strong interest in modeling/simulation, particularly multiphysics modeling, and data analysis;
• Autonomy, scientific curiosity, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment;
• Excellent command of English.

Your Work Environment

The PhD will be conducted at GEPEA (UMR CNRS 6144), a leading laboratory in process engineering, particularly in electrochemical engineering for environmental applications such as water treatment and reuse, as well as the valorization of inorganic, organic, and energy resources. The doctoral candidate will join a team internationally recognized for its work on advanced electrochemical processes, innovative electrochemical reactors, treated wastewater reuse, resource valorization, and process scaling.
The project is part of a strategic collaboration between the CNRS and the University of Sherbrooke (Quebec, Canada), renowned for its expertise in micro-gas turbines, additive manufacturing, and energy conversion.
The PhD will primarily take place in the Nantes region. Research visits to the University of Sherbrooke will be organized throughout the three years of the doctoral program. These visits, totaling between four and six months, will allow the candidate to:
• participate in electrolysis-micro-turbine coupling tests;
• to contribute to the development of energy models;
• to access complementary experimental platforms;
• to strengthen Franco-Canadian scientific collaborations.

The project also benefits from industrial support through collaborations between the two academic partners and innovative companies in the water sector in France and the energy sector in Canada.

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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