PhD in Physical Chemistry / Atmospheric Chemistry (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Title of the thesis: "Studies of pollutants produced in ammonia-hydrogen combustion systems".
In the context of increasing concerns for energy security and global warming, the transition towards low-carbon economies will be supported by the use of new energy vectors, among which ammonia (NH3) constitutes a very promising solution for industrial applications. In particular, the partial cracking of ammonia provides energy-efficient NH3/N2/H2 mixtures that can be used in combustion systems. However, the development of efficient and clean burners with stable combustion of NH3/N2/H2 blends raises important questions regarding the associated pollutant emissions, including NOx, unburnt NH3 and other possible greenhouse gases.
The thesis work will investigate the oxidation pollutant products of these blends and their fate in the atmosphere. Detailed analyses of pollutant emissions will be performed implementing a high-purity, single-pulse shock tube with multiple diagnostics. Shock tubes are experimental devices in which temperature and pressure are raised to well-defined conditions by means of shock waves. Different fuel blends will be tested, at conditions similar to modern combustion devices. Products of the oxidation process will be collected for subsequent analyses. This phase of the work will be exploratory, where a broad range of analytical techniques will be applied. Examples of target analytes include diazene, hydrazine, NH3, HONO, NO, NO2 and N2O and NH2OH. Once the products have been identified, these will be studied using a state-of-the-art atmospheric chamber platform to simulate their effects in the atmosphere.
This thesis will provide fundamental information for the large-scale exploitation of ammonia and related combustion technologies, promoting at the same time public awareness and societal acceptance.

Your Work Environment

The PhD research will take place at the CNRS, in the ICARE laboratory (UPR3021) located on the CNRS campus in Orléans. The PhD will be funded by the PEPR-SPLEEN AMHYABLE project. ICARE is a dedicated unit of the CNRS. It has around 80 members, including 33 researchers and research lecturers, whose main research areas are combustion, energy conversion, environmental chemistry and space propulsion.
The CNRS is the French National Centre for Scientific Research, a multidisciplinary institution internationally recognised for the excellence of its research activities addressing the common challenges facing modern societies. ICARE is a world-leading laboratory in the field of chemical kinetics. The PhD research will be carried out in an international environment with the support of experienced scientists, engineers and postdoctoral researchers, and in collaboration with other research groups in France and around the world. The PhD will be affiliated with the 'Energy, Materials, Earth and Universe Sciences' (EMSTU) doctoral school at the University of Orléans.
The candidate must have:
- A degree in chemistry, physics or analytical sciences with good grades;
- Basic knowledge of chemical kinetics;
- Preference for experimental work;
- Ability to work in a team;
- Good command of English.
Applications must include a CV with references, a cover
letter, and academic transcripts if available.

Constraints and risks

Laboratory work using chemicals and high-pressure experimental facilities (shock tubes).

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

The research professions