CDD PhD student CNRS (M/F)

Description of the PhD thesis subject:

In the current energy and economic context, the development of more energy-efficient processes is becoming essential. Traditionally, energy is supplied to catalytic reactors externally via their wall or internal heat exchangers; with efficiencies often penalized due to radial and/or axial temperature gradients. This is particularly problematic for endothermic reactions consuming heat as well as for catalytic reactions identified as a possible means of producing “green” hydrogen on demand (reforming or catalytic dehydrogenation).

One of the solutions proposed in the project is to directly heat the catalyst by combining structured catalytic objects and unconventional (thermal) activation modes, namely magnetic induction and the Joule effect obtained by the passage of an electric current. low voltage directly into the structured object. In addition, these approaches have an extremely short response time which can make it possible to adapt to intermittent production (envisaged for a large number of applications to produce hydrogen from renewable energy).

Thus, during this thesis work, we propose, from a rational and pragmatic approach, the optimization and comparison of 2 selective activation modes: resistive heating and radiofrequency heating applied to supported heterogeneous catalysts. on metallic structured objects. The target model reaction is the steam reforming of biomethane for the production of hydrogen using nickel-based catalysts. This endothermic model reaction requires a high temperature and a significant energy input. The use of these alternative and selective heating modes (only the reaction site is heated) coupled with structured objects that are more heat conductors will be evaluated experimentally and then modeled. The study of the dynamic control of these continuous processes will be considered to optimize the effective energy consumption of this process by these 2 activation modes. At the same time, tools for dynamic modeling and simulation of the process will be developed and will help on the one hand to the rational and fundamental understanding of the processes involved but also to the development of a tool for extrapolation of these solutions.

Work context:

This work is part of the PEPR SPLEEN collaborative project and will be mainly supervised by Pascal FONGARLAND (UCBL Professor) and Régis PHILIPPE (CR CNRS). It will take place on the Lyon Tech la Doua campus in Villeurbanne, within the CPE Lyon school. It will be carried out more precisely in the premises of the MMAGICC team of the “Catalysis Polymerization, Processes and Materials” laboratory (CP2M, UMR 5128 CNRS - CPE Lyon - Univ. Lyon).

Doctoral student profile:

The candidate at engineering school or Master grade (catalysis or chemical engineering specialties, process engineering) must have solid basic training covering general chemistry, chemical engineering, modeling/simulation. Initial laboratory experience in heterogeneous catalysis or reactive process engineering will be appreciated but is not essential. Autonomy, interpersonal skills, sense of communication, dynamism, rigor and a taste for experimental work are qualities essential to the success of this work.

Duration and remuneration:

The duration of the thesis is 36 months and will start in September 2024. Remuneration will be based on the scales in force at the CNRS, namely around €2,135 gross/month.

Contact: pascal.fongarland@univ-lyon1.fr          rph@lgpc.cpe.fr