PhD student (M/F) in heterogeneous catalysis/non-thermal plasma

Job Description

Thesis Subject

This thesis topic is part of the NH3-PLASMA-CRACK project funded by the ANR. The research will be conducted in part at the Unit of Chimie Environnementale et Interactions sur le vivant (UCEiV) in Dunkirk, as well as at the Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP). The goal is to study the cracking reaction of ammonia using non-thermal plasma assisted by catalysis. The catalytic materials synthesized at the UCEiV will be tested in a plasma reactor developed in the laboratory. The active phases of the catalysts will consist of transition metal oxides deposited on supports such as alumina or silica; these oxides have a low dielectric constant and are therefore suitable for plasma-catalysis coupling. These materials will be thoroughly characterized before and after the reaction under plasma discharge. The non-thermal plasma cracking of ammonia will be carried out at atmospheric pressure and low temperature (T inf. à 300°C). A parametric study will be conducted to optimize hydrogen yields (reaction temperature, power, catalyst type). The results will be expressed in terms of ammonia conversion and hydrogen selectivity. A kinetic study will be performed to determine the partial order with respect to NH₃ as well as the activation energy of the reaction.
In this PhD project, the candidate will be required to:
• Write a bibliographic report highlighting significant advances in the field of catalytic cracking of ammonia under plasma discharge.
• Perform the synthesis of catalytic materials
• Perform catalytic tests under plasma discharge conditions.
• Analyze and process the obtained data.

Your Work Environment

The work will be carried out at the University Littoral - côte d'opale in Dunkirk and at the CNRS at the Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers (IC2MP - UMR CNRS 7285) in the Catalysis and Unconventional Media team under the guidance of the scientific manager.
The candidate will be attached to the Rosalind Franklin doctoral school in Poitiers.
The candidate must hold a degree (or graduate during the current academic year) in engineering and/or a master's degree in chemistry. The position requires a good knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis, and skills in non-thermal plasma will be appreciated. Good oral and written communication skills (in English) to present results at international conferences and to read and write scientific papers are also desirable. We are looking for a young researcher who will be able to get involved in his project, curious, with a certain autonomy and a strong motivation. In addition, the candidate must be able to work in a team on a multidisciplinary project.
Applications should include a detailed CV; at least two references (likely to be contacted); a one-page cover letter; a summary of the activities carried out during the Master 2 internship; the transcripts of Master 1 and 2 or those obtained in engineering school.

Constraints and risks

Occasional travel (within France or abroad) to attend conferences or consortium meetings is to be expected.
The candidate will be required to comply with the laboratory's internal regulations regarding all health and safety rules.

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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