Plasma-catalysis coupling for hydrogen production from gaseous industrial effluents

Cold plasma-assisted catalysis is a promising alternative to thermal catalysis, particularly for the activation of poorly reactive gases whose conversion is limited by thermodynamic equilibrium. Combining plasma with a catalyst can also significantly improve not only selectivity, but also conversion and hence the energy efficiency of the system. In some cases, the combined effect of the plasma and the catalyst is greater than the sum of their respective effects, and this is referred to as synergy. Many hypotheses have been put forward to rationalize this synergy. The effects of the catalyst on the plasma are mainly physical: intensification of the electric field, formation of micro-discharges, etc. The plasma itself will have both physical and chemical effects on the catalyst: changes in the physico-chemical properties of the catalyst, formation of hot spots, etc. Because of this multitude of simultaneous effects, plasma-catalysis synergy remains poorly understood, and its nature may differ from one study to another. The aim of this thesis is therefore to study this synergy experimentally and numerically, on a simple system of interest, namely the direct decomposition of H2S into hydrogen. Research work will be carried out at the University of Poitiers for the first 18 months. A DBD plasma reactor experimental set-up will be implemented, and its performance in dissociating H2S will be characterized as a function of various physical parameters (voltage, dimensions, gas flow rate, etc.). The thesis work will be continued at the lFPEN in Solaize to study the effect of porous media introduction into the reactor on plasma and chemical kinetics in the absence of an active phase, by varying the structure, texture, and electrical properties of the media. Finally, tests with various real catalysts will be carried out to identify the origins of the plasma-catalysis synergy. In parallel with the experimental tests, a model of the plasma-catalysis reactor will be developed, to quantitatively validate the proposed synergy hypotheses.

Keywords: Hydrogen, plasma, catalysis

• Academic supervisor    Dr Catherine BATIOT-DUPEYRAT, IC2MP, ORCID : 0000-0003-2174-0166
• Doctoral School    ED649 Rosalind Franklin, Université de Poitiers
• IFPEN supervisor    Dr Déborah DE MASI, ORCID : 0000-0001-6801-2348
• PhD location    IFPEN, Lyon, France & IC2MP, Poitiers, France
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting in the fourth quarter 2024 (Novembre 4)
• Employer    IFPEN
• Academic requirements    University Master degree in chemistry, physicochemistry or physics   
• Language requirements    English level B2 (CEFR)    
• Other requirements    Chemical engineering, heterogeneous catalysis

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to the IFPEN supervisor indicated below.