Description of the thesis topic

The objective of this thesis is to develop metal catalysts with optimized properties that can compete with the commercial systems currently used for the hydrogenation reaction of interest at Oril Industrie (Bolbec).
The doctoral student's work will consist of preparing different series of copper-based catalytic materials using a streamlined strategy to elucidate the influence of key parameters on the final structure of the catalysts and their catalytic performance. The prepared catalysts will then be systematically evaluated for the hydrogenation reaction of interest within the SAMCat team, under operating conditions currently used at Oril Industrie.
The strategy envisaged for this study is as follows:
1. Synthesis of CuO/support monometallic catalysts by varying the metal loading in order to optimize the dispersion state of the CuO phase and maximize its accessible surface area after reduction. Initial studies will focus on alumina Al2O3, followed by titanium dioxide TiO2, capable of generating a good degree of metal-support interaction and thus promoting the stability of the metallic phases in the liquid phase.
2. Modification of CuO/support catalysts by adding varying amounts of MOx oxides to modulate the reducibility of the CuO phase.
3. Comparison of CuO+MOx/support bimetallic catalysts with CuMOy/support binary systems synthesized in a single step to assess structural and catalytic differences.
4. Development of Cu-X/support bimetallic catalysts by introducing a secondary metal (X) in small quantities to enhance copper reducibility and modify its geometric/electronic properties. The second metal X will be selected based on its hydrogen activation capability.

The doctoral student will have access to all experimental tools necessary for the preparation, activation, and characterization of heterogeneous catalysts within the SAMCat team and the IC2MP PLATINA characterization platform. The catalysts will be characterized at different synthesis stages. The hydrogenation reaction of interest will be carried out in a batch reactor under hydrogen pressure, with monitoring over time by chromatographic analysis of the concentration of reactant and products formed (desired product and undesired products), which will allow for the establishment of kinetic profiles of the reaction. The results obtained will enable the rapid identification of the most promising formulations and the determination of optimal hydrogenation conditions to maximize the yield of the desired product.
During the thesis, the most promising catalytic formulations will be further evaluated in Oril Industrie's pilot reactor, with the doctoral student potentially conducting short-term visits to the Bolbec (Normandy) site.
This three-year study aims to provide a precise understanding of the structure-reactivity relationship of catalytic materials, leading to the development of an optimized catalyst formulation and hydrogenation conditions (temperature/pressure/reaction time) suitable for industrial-scale implementation.

Work Context

Context:
The candidate will work in Poitiers, at the “Institute of Chemistry of Poitiers: Materials and Natural Resources” (IC2MP, UMR 7285 CNRS-University of Poitiers https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/) in the SAMCAT team. This research team is specialized in the development of catalytic and electrocatalytic materials for applications in the fields of energy, environment and fine chemicals. This institute is equipped with all the necessary analytical tools and facilities to carry out this study in collaboration with ORIL company in Bolbec (76).

Required profile:
Skills in catalysts synthesis and characterization are required. Experience in heterogeneous catalysis and liquid phase catalytic testing would be an asset. The candidate should demonstrate scientific curiosity, initiative and a strong analytical and communication skills, in both written and oral. As this position is part of a collaborative project funded by ORIL Industrie, regular meetings with the company are planned.