Impact of hydrocarbons chemistry on secondary organic aerosols properties

Fine particles are among the main contributor to poor air quality. They are particularly monitored as 97% of the European population living in urban areas was exposed in 2021 to particle concentrations above the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m3. However, characterizing and understanding the impact of these particles is complex, given the multiple biogenic and anthropogenic sources, as well as their subsequent physical and chemical evolution once in the atmosphere. In addition, the fuel from which particles are originated influences their properties, which in turn modifies their environmental impact and toxicity. The shift in the transport sector towards renewable products will thus affect the environmental impact of emissions.
The proposed research aims at assessing experimentally the link between different renewable fuels and the atmospheric aerosols generated. To this end, different fuel chemistries will be studied, and the evolution of the emissions generated will be discussed using a dedicated reactor available at IFPEN. This device enables an accelerated atmospheric ageing process representative of different areas (e.g. urban, rural) controlling for example, radical concentration and UV radiation. Analytical equipments will be set up to monitor the main physical and chemical descriptors for the aerosols generated. These analyses will provide relevant properties such as the size, morphology, chemical functions and composition of the aerosols. Their concentration and decay versus time in different ageing conditions will also contribute to discuss the fuel impact. A better understanding of fuel impacts on aerosols formation and reactivity could help assessing the real environmental impact of novel energy products.
This subject should enable us to acquire solid experience in the field of atmospheric chemistry and the tools used to study it. This knowledge is essential to support the decarbonization of transport.

Keywords: Atmospheric chemistry, aerosols, aging, low carbon fuels, chemical kinetic 

• Academic supervisor   Dr Max MCGILLEN, ICARE (ORCID : 0000-0002-1623-5985) et Dr Véronique DAELE (ORCID : 0000-0003-2509-4077), ICARE
• Doctoral School    ED552 EMSTU, Université d’Orléans
• IFPEN supervisor    Dr Mickaël MATRAT, ORCID 0000-0002-9737-4353 et Mickaël LEBLANC, ORCID : 0000-0002-5661-5798
• PhD location    IFPEN, Lyon, France  
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting in the fourth quarter 2024 
• Employer    IFPEN
• Academic requirements    University Master degree in chemistry, atmospheric chemistry    
• Language requirements    English level B2 (CEFR), French level A2 (CECR)    
• Other requirements    High interest in experimental activities and strong knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques.

About Mobility & Systems division
The "Mobility and Systems" division significantly contributes to IFPEN's work and development of technological solutions in the fields of transport to reduce their impacts and improve air quality.
To achieve the ambitious objectives of reducing greenhouse gases and pollutant emissions from the transport and off-road applications sectors by 2030, four areas are being studied in particular:

• Achieve levels of polluting emissions with zero impact on air quality in real use, over the entire lifespan of the vehicle,
• Develop hydrogen engines allowing the use of existing industrial production means,
• Significantly increase the thermodynamic efficiency of thermal engines,
• Identify fuels with a double impact to reduce CO2 emissions

The doctoral student will be welcomed within the "Mobility and Systems" division and more particularly in the "energy conversion and emissions" department in Lyon. The highly evolving context and regulatory framework (carbon neutrality of new vehicles marketed by 2035, Euro 7 standard, World Health Organization [WHO] guidelines relating to air quality, resolution of the organization of the United Nations [UN] intended to guarantee the world population access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment) recall the importance and concrete nature of the proposed work, considering both local scales/issues (primary emissions) and global warming (global warming, secondary emissions).
If you are interested or motivated by these topics, join us !
 

To find out more about this offer, do not hesitate to contact the IFPEN supervisors mentioned.
To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to the IFPEN supervisors indicated here below.