PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The present research is in the context of the development of biofuels second generation. It will aim at establishing the fundamental parameters governing the reactivity in cracking, hydrocracking and hydrodeoxygenation of model compounds of pyrolysis oils from lignocellulosic biomass (oxygenated or not) on hydrocracking catalysts for the production of biofuels second generation.
The core of the work will consist in studying the reactivity of these model compounds on the catalysts at reaction condition by operando IR spectroscopy. The catalytic systems investigated in this work will be progressively made more complex: purely acidic catalysts (acidic zeolites), hydrogenating catalysts (sulfides supported on an inert support) and hydrocracking catalysts (zeolite supported metal sulfides).
The results will help determine the best operating rules and the formulation of catalysts to improve the treatment of these new resources.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The candidate should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent and must have bases in organic chemistry and / or heterogeneous catalysis. He (She) will make intensive use of characterization techniques (IR spectroscopy) and evaluation of catalytic activity. Specific skills in these areas would be a plus.
CONDITIONS
Duration : 3 years. Starting date: Sept.-Nov. 2012 Salary: Approx. 1300 € net /month, including social benefits and health coverage.
CONTACT
CV (including contact details of scientific referees) and motivation letter should be sent to : Arnaud Travert – arnaud.travert@ensicaen.fr – Tel. +33(0)2 31 45 28 23.