Votre mission
General context
This PhD thesis proposal is part of a project portfolio (EFES for Enhanced Flexibility in Energy Systems) related to energy storage and conversion technologies. The University of Mons and MATERIA NOVA research center are partners in this thesis.
Scientific context
Energy storage in the form of e-fuels is a promising approach. It could also contribute to the defossilisation of part of the fuel industry, particularly in sectors where electrification is difficult or even impossible. The technique is based on the conversion of renewable electricity into synthetic fuels via synthesis gas. Plasma catalysis offers a promising approach for the conversion of syngas into e-fuels, enabling efficient energy storage from renewable sources. By combining non-thermal plasma with catalytic materials, this technology activates and accelerates chemical reactions at lower temperatures compared to conventional methods. In the context of e-fuel production, plasma catalysis enhances the conversion of hydrogen and captured CO₂ into valuable e-fuels.
Objectives
The objective of this PhD Thesis is to develop an innovative process for converting syngas derived from the pyrolysis or gasification of wastes (biomass-based or unsorted plastic residues) and renewable electricity into e-fuels without CO2 emissions.
The scientific challenges will lie in the selection of the best coupling solution between the plasma-catalyst and the catalytic reactor. Operating conditions will be analyzed and optimized to ensure efficient production of e-fuels. One other key point will be the study of the effect of impurities in the gas flow on the process and the resulting e-fuel.
Research Program
The Research program is organized in three main steps:
- S1: Design and implementation of a gas mixing generator capable of reproducing the compositions of various identified syngas mixtures.
- S2: Study of the impact on the produced gases resulting from their conversion in a plasma‑catalytic reactor (under various plasma conditions and using commercial catalysts).
- S3: Detailed study of the conversion process, first operating stand-alone and then synergistically, focusing on the quantification of the produced e-fuel (chemical composition, lower heating value, CO2 conversion rate, environmental assessment, production cost, etc.).
Your mission
- Carry on research towards the above-mentioned objectives.
- Scientific communication.
- Participate to meetings and events in the context of the project.
Vos responsabilités
Additional Information
About the EFES project portfolio
The EFES (Enhanced Flexibility in Energy Systems) project aims to address the major challenges related to the increasing electrification of our energy systems, namely: storage, conversion and flexibility management technologies. To this end, the EFES project addresses different scientific challenges related to different subtopics (each related to a joint doctoral thesis):
- Materials that allow high and stable energy densities for heat storage in high-temperature industrial processes.
- New catalysts for directly converting CO2 into synthetic fuels.
- Optimization of e-fuel production by coupling plasma-catalysis and catalytic reaction.
- Accounting the potential of the subsoil to improve geothermal infrastructure performance.
- Optimization of iron reduction for Energy storage and conversion.
- Multi-energy Carnot batteries to meet industrial needs.
- Valorization of waste heat using high-temperature heat pumps.
- Energy systems coupling engines, gas turbines, heat networks and seasonal heat storage.
- Stable regulatory framework in line with the electrification of mobility and heating for renewable energy communities (RECs).
- Management of Electricity Network with distributed energy resources, inverters and technical constraints.
- Integrating complex technological component models into optimal driving and dimensioning algorithms.
- Development of a relevant tool for energy communities, taking into account their specificities and establishing a dialogue between the validation and planning tools of the energy transition.
About Belgium
Brochure_2022_Anglais_web.pdf (belgium.be)
Opportunities in Belgium: beyond expectations – YouTube
About the University of Mons
The University of Mons, abbreviated to “UMONS”, is a French-speaking university in the province of Hainaut, Belgium, near the French-Belgian border. It is approximately 50 kilometers from Brussels, the capital of Europe.
UMONS has around 100 different degree programs on offer at Bachelor, Master and PhD level in fields as diverse as Law, Psychology, Social Sciences, Biomedical Science, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Management, Material Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Urban Planning, Computer Science, Architecture, Interpretation, Linguistics, Physics, Speech Therapy, Mathematics, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Translation, Education, Biology, Geology, Medicine, and many more.
With more than 900 researchers, research objectives in UMONS are pursued both regionally and internationally. The common goal of all UMONS researchers is to develop expertise on a large scale, subsequently benefiting society, particularly the region.
The expertise of the University’s researchers is internationally recognized. Three Researchers from the chemistry and materials domains have been acknowledged and classified among the Top 100 Global Researchers who have been most influential in their disciplines over the last decade, on account of their publications (classified by the Thomas-Reuter Agency for 2001-2010). UMONS also holds the European label for “Research in Excellence”.
Through its research and close links with industry, UMONS is also actively involved in regional development. It maintains close links with scientific research centers, as well as university spin-off and start-up companies.
University – Université de Mons (umons.ac.be)
Home – Institut / Énergie (umons.ac.be)
About MATERIA NOVA
Materia Nova is a technology accelerator for responsible innovation, ensuring technology transfer between fundamental research and industry. We actively contribute to developing solutions to societal challenges, notably the energy transition and the deployment of the circular economy.
About us – Materia Nova – innovation center
Votre profil
You hold a Master in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science or Material Engineering, or Energy Engineering.
Required Skills
- Ability to work both autonomously as well as in a team.
- Pro-activity and independence.
- Able to adapt and learn new skills quickly.
- Good oral and written communication skills (English and/or French)
- Expertise in using/developing software in the field of process simulation and physico‑chemistry.
- Expertise in experimental techniques for structural and chemical characterization.
Notre offre
- A high-level scientific environment involving the University of Mons (Thermodynamic Dpt-Research Institute for Energy) and one R&D Center specialized in the field of Materials (MATERIA NOVA).
- A motivating research project (EFES project):
- combining fundamental Research and Applications.;
- integrated in a large project portfolio (13 PhD theses) involving 20 partners (Universities and R&D Centers) as well as industries.
- 3 years of PhD salary (Bruto around 3950 EUR/month; Netto around 2500 EUR/month depending on your status)
- Starting date: 1st Octobre 2025.
Intéressé(e) ?
Your application file must include:
- A motivation letter.
- A certified copy of your Degrees.
- A certified copy of your transcripts including your ranking.
- A detailed CV.
to be sent to: [email protected]
Deadline: August 30th 2025
UMONS aims to be a diverse and inclusive community. Job vacancies respect the principle of non-discrimination and the recruitment procedure guarantees fair treatment of applications regardless of the gender, presumed race or ethnic origin, social origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age, sexual orientation or political opinions of applicants.
