Porous inorganic microreactors for homogeneous two-phase catalysis: a mass transfer study for their implementation in fluidized beds

Catalytic processes play a key role in many industries, and the optimization of these systems remains a major challenge. Combining the exceptional performance of homogeneous catalysis with the ease of implementation of heterogeneous catalysis is a major challenge. Solid/liquid emulsions, known as Pickering emulsions, are an excellent means of producing well-controlled discontinuous liquid/solid/liquid media. These emulsions can then be converted into nano-capsules of controlled geometry, true nano-reactors capable of immobilizing a catalyst at their core. The key to the success of these nano-reactors resides in a good match between the external medium, the porous shell and its core.
The aim of this Ph.D. thesis is to better understand and model the diffusion phenomena of reactants and reaction products to and from the core of these nano-capsules with an ionic liquid core. A better understanding of these phenomena will allow their optimization. To this end, a series of nano-capsules prepared from Pickering emulsions will be characterized, in particular using porosimetry and SAXS techniques coupled with image analysis, in order to analyze and model their microstructure. The diffusion equations in this microstructure will then be solved using the Lattice-Boltzmann method. Finally, the catalytic performance of these nano-reactors will be evaluated on a model reaction system using a liquid/solid/liquid reactor model with these nano-capsules. This Ph.D. thesis topic offers a unique opportunity to work at the cutting edge of innovation in an interdisciplinary framework combining chemistry, physics and engineering.

Keywords: Pickering emulsions, nanomaterials, catalysis, Lattice-Boltzmann

• Academic supervisor    Dr Jan VERSTRAETE, IFPEN, ORCID : 0000-0003-4536-5639
• Doctoral School    ED488 SIS – Université de Lyon
• IFPEN supervisor    Dr Kader LETTAT, kader.lettat@ifpen.fr, Researcher ID : DCJ-4799-2022
• PhD location    IFPEN, Lyon, France
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting in the fourth quarter 2025 (Novembre 3)
• Employer    IFP Energies nouvelles
• Academic requirements    University Master degree in Chemical Engineering
• Language requirements    English level B2 (CEFR)
• Other requirements    solid knowledge of chemical kinetics and reactor modeling, a strong interest in modeling and knowledge of programming languages (C++, Python, Matlab), eager to work with colleagues from multiple fields.

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