R&D engineer in materials science/electrochemistry

Development of Metal Electrodes For The Conversion Of CO 2 To

Title
Ethylene
Durée 12 months
Responsable Damien VOIRY
Laboratory European Institute of Membranes (IEM), University of Montpellier, France
Contact damien.voiry@umontpellier.fr, +33-4-67-14-91-15

Mission

The rapid increase in the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2) levels has motivated the development of carbon
capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technologies. In this context, the conversion of CO2 to chemical fuels
provides a route to close the carbon cycle. Because multicarbon (C2+) products possess higher market values
and are more energy concentrated, intensive efforts have been devoted to improve the reaction selectivity
towards the production of C2 and C2+ molecules. The modest energy efficiency and selectivity towards the
production of multicarbon molecules at industrially-relevant current densities however limit the development
of the CO2 Reduction Reaction (CO2RR) technology.

Our team has recently developed an efficiency strategy to control the selectivity of the CO 2RR. that has been
successfully tested in flow electrolyzer under continuous operation. The aim of position will be to bring this
technology towards industrial development by tackling the following important challenges of scalability of
the electrochemical reduction system and achieving ultra-long stability.

This 12-month project is funded by the Institut Carnot Chimie Balard Cirimat and the Luxembourg Institute
of Technology (LIST).

Activités principales

The successful candidate will be in charge of developing cathodes for the conversion of CO2 to ethylene.
She/he will be in charge of:

1) preparing the electrodes with size up to 20 cm2,

2) integrate the cathodes in a flow electrolyzer,
3) test the electrolyzer in our 400 W pilot demonstrator,
4) providing performance analyses of the technology.

Activités associées

Other activities will involve writing reports, organizing meeting, presenting results at conferences/workshops
and progress meetings with the Luxembourg Institute of Technology (LIST) and potential industrial partners.

1
Compétences principales

We seek a highly motivated candidate with a documented academic background and lab experience in one
of the following area: materials science, electro-catalysis, fuel cells or batteries. Experience in the field of
reduction of CO2 is desired but not required. We also welcome applications with background in chemical
engineering.

The candidate should be self-motivated and able to conduct fast paced research and work independently in a
team-oriented environment.

Compétences associées

Other desirable requirements:

- Proficiency in spoken and written English.

- Strong analysis / presenting skills
- Hands-on experience in gas/liquid flow systems
- Good understanding of the challenges and constraints of creating a startup to work in a team-
oriented environment