The production of chemical molecules and synthetic fuel, from non-fossil resources and renewable energy, is one of the solution envisaged to face climate issues. In this context, the use of photo-electrochemical cells (PEC) solar-driven water splitting is seen as promising route for hydrogen production. Today, proofs of concept generally concern small objects (of the order of 1cm² of active surface) and operating-times limited to a few minutes or a few hours. It is therefore essential, in order to consider the rapid deployment of PECs, to be able to predict the influence of the architecture of the cell and scale-up on their performance, in terms of energy efficiency, kinetic efficiencies (volume and surface ), stability of operation and aging of materials.
The thesis is part of the development of a generic simulation tool for PECs, in support of R&D. It will be carried out in collaboration with ENGIE LabCRIGEN (CIFRE funding), )Institut Pascal (host laboratory) and CEA (ISEC, IRIG and INES).
You have a solid background in Chemical Engineering, Energy, Fluid Mechanics or Applied Mathematics, with particular attraction for modelling and simulation; you have also a strong capacity for collaborative work, and you want to contribute actively the energy transition? By choosing this thesis, you will join a multidisciplinary consortium and contribute to an active field of research, at the interface between fundamental research and industry.