Post-Doctoral position - Experimental study and modelling of electrochemical dehydrogenation of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs)

Offer Description

The storage and transport of hydrogen gas is not trivial and requires complicated infrastructures. In the case of conventional technologies for storing hydrogen by liquefaction and compression, several challenges have to be overcome, such as low storage density, boil-off losses, relatively high costs, and safety and transportation concerns. In this context, the use of a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) is a promising way of simplifying hydrogen storage and transport [1]. Handling a liquid instead of hydrogen gas presents a level of complexity similar to that of hydrocarbons already in use worldwide, with the advantage of hydrogen as sustainable energy vector. Hydrogen storage and transport using LOHCs are based on two-step cycles, such as (i) loading/storage of hydrogen by catalytic hydrogenation of H2-lean compounds and (ii) unloading/releasing hydrogen by electrochemical dehydrogenation of the resulting H2-rich liquids. 

The objective of the post-doctoral project is to develop both an experimental set-up and a theoretical tool to obtain more information on the dehydrogenation reaction of biobased polyols used as LOHCs, and to propose optimizations. This is part of a larger project in partnership with 3 other labs.

The position is for two years.

Where to apply

E-mail sophie.didierjean@univ-lorraine.fr

Requirements

Research Field Engineering

Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate should have knowledge of electrochemistry, if possible applied to the fuel cell or water electrolysis field, and be comfortable with experimental studies. Knowledge of heat and material transfer, and modelling would be a plus.

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1

Company/Institute University of Lorraine

Country France

City Nancy

Postal Code 54000

Contact

City Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy

Website http://lemta.univ-lorraine.fr/

Street 2, avenue de la Forêt de Haye

Postal Code 54500