Status
Scientific disciplines
Research direction
Physics and Analysis
Affiliate site
Lyon
The design of innovative materials is a prerequisite for the successful development of future thermochemical processes such as high-temperature heat storage and green hydrogen production. Oxygen carriers are a family of materials used in such applications to absorb and release oxygen cyclically while delivering and storing heat respectively. In this thesis project, we intend to explore a synthesis pathway for thermochemical oxygen carriers by mastering the synthesis of multimetallic layered double hydroxides (LDH) and their thermal conversion into multimetallic spinels. The advantages of materials containing a significant diversity of chemical elements have been demonstrated for various high-temperature applications due to the improved structural stability and the adjustment made possible of the bonding energies of the active elements in these materials. For this, the doctoral student will develop skills both in the synthesis of materials, their thermal conversion, and their characterization using multi-technique analytical approaches. The synthesis methods will include coprecipitation methods with hydrothermal stimulation and/or microwave/sonic, ion exchange, and potential intercalation of metal complexes. The thermal treatment of the materials will be carried out by thermogravimetric analysis in different gaseous atmospheres. The characterization of LDHs and their derived oxides will rely on classical analytical techniques (XRD, texture, XRF, SEM, FTIR) and advanced techniques (NMR, SAXS, XAS, STEM). The purpose of the thesis will be to establish links between the structure and performance of materials for hydrogen production and for heat storage.
Keywords: Layered hydroxides, mixed oxides, synthesis, characterization, hydrogen, heat storage.
- Academic supervisor Dr. Guillaume ROGEZ, IPCMS (UMR7504, CNRS-Université de Strasbourg) ORCID:0000-0001-9006-7273
- Doctoral School ED 182, Université de Strasbourg
- IFPEN supervisor Dr. Virgile ROUCHON, virgile.rouchon@ifpen.fr, ORCID:0000-0001-8520-1378
- PhD location IFPEN, Lyon, France
- Duration and start date 3 years, starting date : fourth semester 2025
- Employer IFPEN, CDD contract, brut salary 2425 €/ mois, evolutive over 3 years
- Academic requirements Master in Chemistry, Materials Science
- Language requirements English level B2 (CEFR)
- Other requirements Methods of synthesis and characterization of materials. Structure of solids.
To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to the IFPEN supervisor indicated here below.
Deadline to submit the application 31/07/2025