PhD (M/F) development of bio-based composite materials acting simultaneously as catalysts and CO2 adsorbents

Job Description

Thesis Subject

This project focuses on the development of bio-based composite materials acting simultaneously as catalysts and CO2 adsorbents. Through an integrated approach combining material design, reaction engineering, and scale-up studies, the project aims to establish a sustainable platform for the synthesis of composite materials. These materials will subsequently be integrated into AERLEUM's pilot-demonstrator, combining direct air capture of CO2 with low-carbon methanol synthesis.

Your Work Environment

This project, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) within the LabCom MIRAGE programme (ICPEES–AERLEUM), aims to develop bio-based composite materials with a dual function: heterogeneous catalysts and CO2 adsorbents for direct air capture (DAC), with the objective of their implementation in AERLEUM's pilot-demonstrator. The start-up AERLEUM is developing an innovative technology for methanol synthesis from captured CO2 and green hydrogen. CO2 capture will be integrated into the pilot unit, after which the captured CO2 will be reacted with hydrogen to produce methanol. A bifunctional material is therefore required to operate under two distinct sets of conditions: CO2 capture conditions on the one hand, and catalytic methanol synthesis conditions on the other. The objective of the PhD project is to develop a bifunctional material capable of meeting these requirements. Scale-up of the most promising materials will be carried out during the final year of the PhD, followed by large-scale testing in the pilot unit.

The selected candidate will conduct research within an interdisciplinary framework combining:
- material synthesis and processing (coprecipitation, impregnation, microfluidics, etc.; chemical and/or physical activation, including reduction, etc.);
- material characterization (X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, chemisorption, thermogravimetric analysis, and other techniques);
- CO2 adsorption and catalytic testing, both at laboratory scale and using a semi-industrial pilot unit;
- correlation of material properties with measured performance, post-test characterization, and investigation of reaction mechanisms.
The PhD will be based at Institute of Chemistry and Processes for Energy, Environment and Health (ICPEES-UMR7515) (https://icpees.unistra.fr/), within the “Energy and Fuels for a Sustainable Environment” team, and co-supervised by Dr Benoit LOUIS and Dr Ksenia PARKHOMENKO. The PhD candidate will be responsible for: the synthesis of composite catalytic materials using coprecipitation and other synthesis methods; the synthesis of composite solid adsorbent materials, mainly through thermal treatment; comprehensive material characterization; catalytic and CO2 adsorption testing using a pilot unit and laboratory-scale equipment; material optimization for scale-up, including synthesis and shaping.

The final formulation will be transferred to the industrial partner for feasibility studies at semi-industrial pilot scale. The PhD candidate will work in collaboration with the industrial partner to optimize the process with a view to potential industrial implementation.

Working Conditions:
- Easy access to the Cronenbourg campus via public transportation
- The CNRS may cover a portion of the cost of public transportation passes
- Meals are available at a university dining hall on the Cronenbourg campus, with meal subsidies provided by the CNRS

EDSC – ED222 – Strasbourg

Constraints and risks

No specific risk

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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