General information
Reference : UMR7285-FABCAN-003
Workplace : POITIERS
Date of publication : Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Scientific Responsible name : Xavier Courtois
Type of Contract : PhD Student contract / Thesis offer
Contract Period : 36 months
Start date of the thesis : 1 October 2022
Proportion of work : Full time
Remuneration : 2 135,00 € gross monthly
Description of the thesis topic
This PhD contract, which will take place at the IC2MP (Institute of Chemistry of Media and Materials of Poitiers, https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/), is proposed in the context of an ANR regrouping the French university laboratories IC2MP and IRCELYON (Lyon).
The development of decarbonated energy sources is imperative for a reduction of CO2 emissions in the transport industry. For heavy-duty vehicles, the use of batteries or fuel cells remains problematic. One solution could be the use of green hydrogen in thermal engines, as long as the residual traces of NOx present in the exhaust are treated.
The main goal of the project is the development of innovative catalytic formulations for the conversion of trace amounts of NOx present in the flue gas of lean-burn hydrogen engines. Indeed, the catalytic formulations usually reported in the literature present a narrow working window associated with a risk of production of N2O, a molecule with a strong greenhouse effect. These two characteristics are not consistent with the targeted application.
The work of this thesis will consist in developing catalysts adapted to the selective reduction of NOx by H2, with a mechanistic approach in rupture compared to the bibliography. Based on a reaction mechanism involving the in situ formation of reduced NHx species, the proposed process requires multifunctional catalysts associating a hydrogenating metallic phase (Fe, or even Ru), acidic functions to promote the formation of NHx species and the decomposition rate of nitrosamine intermediates (NH2NO), and basic sites for the formation of nitrosonium/nitrate species.
Work Context
At the CNRS, the PhD student will work in Poitiers in the Institute of Chemistry of Media and Materials of Poitiers (IC2MP, UMR 7285 CNRS-University of Poitiers https://ic2mp.labo.univ-poitiers.fr/), in the SAMCAT team, under the coordination of the scientific project leader. This research team is specialized in the development of catalytic and electrocatalytic materials for applications mainly in the fields of energy and environment. The candidate will be registered in the doctoral school Théodore Monod ED n°614 (University of Poitiers).
Constraints and risks
Risks related to the use of chemicals compounds and gases.
Short missions in France and/or other countries are planned.
Additional Information
Profile required: Skills in synthesis and characterization of catalysts, as well as knowledge in heterogeneous catalysis, especially for gas phase reactions are required. The candidate must show scientific curiosity, initiative and a strong ability to present and analyze results in writing and orally.
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