Description du sujet de thèse

Generally, noble metal-based catalysts are applied to catalyze hydrogenation/dehydrogenation (HYD/DH) reactions due to their high catalytic activity and selectivity. However, their high cost and scarcity limit their large-scale use in fields of application yet considered essential to respond to current scientific challenges. This is the case for the highly promising technology of H2 storage by Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC), based on catalyzed reversible HYD/DH cycles and having the advantage of transporting and distributing H2 via existing fossil fuel infrastructures [1-3].
Pt/Al2O3 catalysts are the most widely used for DH reactions due to the high platinum ability to activate C-H bonds and the capability of alumina support to disperse the metallic active sites. Supported non-noble metal nanoparticles, such as nickel, are expected to be good substitutes for Pt-based catalysts if the conception of these materials allows (i) generating an optimal dispersion of the metallic phase on the support and (ii) resisting to the agglomeration phenomenon during time on stream, both generally difficult to reach with this type of metal but essential to obtain sufficient activity and stability.
The aim of this thesis, as a part of the « INSIDE-Nano » ANR project, is to evaluate Ni and Ni-M/SiO2 catalysts (M=Zn, Sn or Cu) of various compositions for the methylcyclohexane (MCH) DH reaction involved in the MCH/TOL LOHC system (TOL: toluene). A large part of the catalysts will be synthesized via a one-step sol-gel synthesis method by the CRPP partner (Paul Pascal Research Center in Bordeaux). The PhD student will be responsible for preparing catalysts using conventional methods, characterizing them, and evaluating their catalytic properties in the DH reaction.
The doctoral student will have access to all experimental tools necessary for the preparation, activation, characterization and evaluation of the catalytic performances of heterogeneous catalysts within the SAMCat team and the PLATINA characterization platform at IC2MP.

[1] P.T. Aakko-Saksa et al., Review article, Journal of Power Sources, 396 (2018) 803. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.04.011
[2] P.M. Modisha et al., Energy Fuels, 33 (2019) 2778. DOI: 10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b00296
[3] M-J. Zhou et al., Review article, Adv. Mater., 36 (2024), 2311355. DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311355

Contexte de travail

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 the CRPP and the LAGEPP (Laboratory of Automation, Process Engineering and Pharmaceutical Engineering in Lyon).

Required profile:
Skills in catalysts synthesis, characterization and catalytic tests are required. Experience in heterogeneous catalysis and gaseous 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 ANR, regular meetings with the three involved partners are planned.