General information
Offer title : PhD student (M/F) Development of catalytic materials for the synthesis of methanol from renewable C. (H/F)
Reference : UMR7515-JULBER-077
Number of position : 1
Workplace : STRASBOURG
Date of publication : 01 October 2024
Type of Contract : PhD Student contract / Thesis offer
Contract Period : 36 months
Start date of the thesis : 1 December 2024
Proportion of work : Full time
Remuneration : 2 135,00 € gross monthly
Section(s) CN : Materials, nanomaterials and processes chemistry
Description of the thesis topic
The work is part of the biofuels and e-biofuels theme. It aims to develop high-performance catalytic beds for the conversion of biogas enriched with green hydrogen into methanol. The materials studied will have to exhibit catalytic activity at low temperatures to promote the conversion of biogas into methanol.
The first stage will involve the preparation and characterisation of Cu-ZnO-Al2O3 type materials as reference catalysts.
The second stage will involve the synthesis of doped catalysts (Cu-Pd and boron oxide doping) for low-temperature methanol synthesis.
The materials prepared will be characterised using conventional techniques for studying heterogeneous catalysts (XRD, nitrogen physisorption, TPR, surface oxidation by N2O, microscopy, XPS).
The catalytic properties of the materials for methanol production will be evaluated in gas phase under pressure and in continuous flow. The products formed will be analysed on-line by gas chromatography.
The effect of the presence of pollutants on methanol productivity will be evaluated.
Work Context
The general objective of this collaborative project is to produce biofuels (methanol or DME) from biosyngas enriched with green hydrogen by combining biomass gasification and high-temperature electrolysis. This work is part of a CETP project, involving 8 European partners and led by the University of Bologna (Italy).
The thesis will be carried out within the Energy and Fuels for a Sustainable Environment (ECED) team of the Institute of Chemistry and Processes for Energy, Environment and Health (ICPEES).
ICPEES is located on the premises of the European School of Chemistry, Polymers and Materials in Strasbourg (ECPM).
The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.
Constraints and risks
No specific constraints
Additional Information
- The candidate must have a solid background in material science, synthesis and characterization of solid oxides as well as in heterogeneous catalysis.
- The candidate must be experienced in lab work and collaborative projects.
- English level C1 or more (indicate TOEIC level or equivalent)
- Very good oral and written communication skills in French and English