Laurine Choisez

Topic: Combustion and sintering of iron-based fuel for sustainable energy storage

Description: To successfully transition from fossil fuels to a sustainable carbon-free energy supply, a safe and stable energy storage technology is required. Very recently, metallic powders, and particularly iron powder, have been proposed as a high energy density, easily storable and commonly traded fuel. Energy production is obtained through the heat of oxidation, and the combusted products can then be reduced at the solid-state using hydrogen coming from sustainable energy sources, resulting in a complete CO₂-free energy cycle. While very promising, the fundamental mechanisms involved in the reduction process of the particles are still not completely understood. While very promising, the fundamental mechanisms involved in the combustion process of the particles are still not completely understood. In particular, the influence of impurities and alloying elements, generally present in low cost iron-based oxides, is completely unknown. This project will focus on the influence of alloying elements on the combustion and sintering processes (activated at the end of the combustion) of iron-based fuel.

Your profile:

• Candidate with a Master diploma in the field of Chemical Engineering, Materials Science Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
• Good background in chemical kinetics and physical metallurgy
• Correct English languages skills for scientific discussion, presentation and publication
• Strong motivation, reliable, detail-oriented, ethical, desire to integrate into a scientific group favoring mutual aid 

Application:

If interested, please send your CV, motivation letter and eventual reference letters by email to Dr. Laurine Choisez (laurine.choisez@uclouvain.be) and Prof. Pascal Jacques (pascal.jacques@uclouvain.be)

An interview (online or presential) will be organized with the selected candidates.