PhD opportunities in the Hydrogen Industry sector
- afranorg
- Jun 15, 2021
- 3 min read
Context:
Climate change is forcing us to move towards an energy mix that strongly involves renewable energies. The use of hydrogen as energy vector helps to overcome the problem of the intermittence of these renewable energies.
One of the challenges for the deployment of the hydrogen industry is the reliability and efficiency of infrastructure and components, in particular the strength of the constituent materials. In this context 3 PhD are open for applications in France!
Microstructure effects on the long-term durability of thermoplastics under hydrogen pressure
PhD Objective:
In this context, the Pprime Institute, Arkema and Air Liquide are proposing a highly experimental PhD. In the case of polymers under high hydrogen pressures, advances in understanding the specificities of deformation and damage is still necessary to jointly improve their mechanical strength and their permeability to ensure the safe and optimal use of these materials as hydrogen tanks. The PhD overall objective is to assess compatibility and potential interactions between the hydrogen stored and the materials with which it is in contact in operating conditions (pressurization to 70 MPa and depressurization) and over time.
Candidate Profile:
Applicant must hold a master’s degree or engineering degree, as well as good skills in Mechanics of Materials and/or Polymer Sciences, with a pronounced taste for the industrial and experimental research. The multidisciplinary nature of the subject involves curiosity and strong motivation to acquire new knowledge. Organisational, interpersonal, written and oral communication skills are also required to carry out such a collaborative project. A good level of French and English is also expected.
Supervision :
Sylvie CASTAGNET (Institut Pprime)
Doctoral School: Sciences et Ingénierie en Matériaux, Mécanique, Energétique et Aéronautique (SI-
MMEA), ISAE-ENSMA Poitiers
Application:
Your application file must include an updated CV, a cover letter and transcripts of Master 1 and 2. Letters of recommendation are not required but will be taken into account if included.
Contact for information and application: Sylvie CASTAGNET sylvie.castagnet@ensma.fr
Development of rare earth nickelates in oxide and/or oxy-fluoride form for application as fuel cell electrode
PhD Objective:
Rare earth nickelates have long been studied at ICMCB (Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry) with regard to their good properties of mixed conductivity (ionic / electronic), an essential point to use as an oxygen electrode for high-performance fuel cell. In particular, the oxygen stoichiometry must be adjusted while preserving the chemical stability of the material, and in this context the choice of rare earth is crucial. In this PhD, we will study the total or partial substitution of neodymium by praséodyme. Chemical syntheses, physico-chemical characterizations, densification, measurements of conductivity properties and electrochemical (when formed as porous electrode) will be conducted. Furthermore, a very innovative strategy relies on the doping of known conductive oxides by F- ions, to modulate the conductivity properties. Thus, the insertion of a more electronegative anion induces a greater covalence of the M-O bond, and therefore a better mobility of oxygen. The doping of nickelates by F- will therefore be studied within the framework of this thesis.
Candidate Profile:
Applicant must hold a master’s degree or engineering degree, as well as good skills in solid chemistry and solid electrochemistry. A good level of French and English is also expected.
Supervision :
Jacinthe GAMON et Jean-Marc BASSAT (Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry)
Doctoral School: ECOLE DOCTORALE DES SCIENCES CHIMIQUES, Université de Bordeaux
Application:
Your application file must include an updated CV, a cover letter and transcripts of Master 1 and 2. Letters of recommendation are not required but will be taken into account if included.
Contact for information and application:
Exploration of new oxyfluoride materials for application as a high-temperature electrolysis anode coupled with the catalytic oxidation reaction of methane
PhD Objective:
The PhD topic explores the chemistry of the solid for high temperature electrolysis. The good performance of anode materials is based on the use of mixed oxygen ions and electrons conductors. Fluoride anions associated with an oxide are promising to improve the performance of these materials at reduced temperatures. Oxyfluoride phases will be synthesized to allow a thorough structural characterisation. The conductivity and the exchange/diffusion properties of oxygen ions will be characterised, thanks to the development of an original isotopic exchange assembly on powder and under polarisation. Finally, we will collaborate with the IC2MP IC2MP (Institute for Medium and Materials Chemistry) to perform cell measurements, under conventional electrolysis conditions, but also coupled to the catalytic oxidation reaction of methane that reduces the working voltage.
Candidate Profile:
Applicant must hold a master’s degree or engineering degree, as well as good skills in solid chemistry and solid electrochemistry. A good level of French and English is also expected.
Supervision :
Jacinthe GAMON et Jean-Marc BASSAT (Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry)
Doctoral School: ECOLE DOCTORALE DES SCIENCES CHIMIQUES, Université de Bordeaux
Application:
Your application file must include an updated CV, a cover letter and transcripts of Master 1 and 2. Letters of recommendation are not required but will be taken into account if included.
Contact for information and application:
Comentarios