PIE - Programme Interdisciplinaire Energie 2010-2013

Advertiser : Institut Jean Lamour – UMR CNRS 7198, Université de Lorraine, Epinal (France)
Deadline : 1st February 2012

Vacant position : Expert in Porous materials, Carbon chemistry and Heat transfers
Category : R+D
Number of vacant positions : 1

Project Description
The SAM.SSA project (Sugar Alcohol based Materials for Seasonal Storage Applications, FP7 Cooperation Work
Programme : ENERGY) aims at developing new phase change materials (PCM) for thermal energy seasonal
storage applications in the range of medium temperatures. The generated materials shall provide :• Low cost,
environmentally sound and safe solutions for seasonal storage applications • Easy adjustment of the melting point
for optimal ”tuning” to the required applications • Energy densities > 200 kWh/m3 for compact storage • Long-term
storage with significant reduction of thermal losses.
SAM.SSA will develop molecular alloys based on sugar alcohols (MASA). These molecular alloys allow for
adjustment of the melting point and lead to a significantly increased energy density. They permit high levels of
undercooling and at the same time reducing insulation requirements as well as thermal losses during long term
storage. The application of a local thermal shock or ultrasound will induce easy discharge of the storage system.
Like most PCM, sugar alcohols impose a principal heat transfer problem on the storage design. SAM.SSA
research will overcome this problem by increasing the MASA thermal conductivity using low-cost, tailor-made
carbon porous structures, and increasing the specific area of heat exchange through MASA macro- or
microencapsulation with organic, inorganic and hybrid shells.

Position Description
This is a post doctoral position with permanency characteristics (two years continuity). The post requires
laboratory experience in solid-state chemistry, synthesis and characterization of porous materials. Knowledge of
carbonaceous materials and experience in modelling physical properties is desirable. Responsibilities vary
according to qualifications and desires of candidate. It can include both practical work in the lab and direction of
masters and undergraduate students with supervision of senior member.
The candidate will be in charge of the development of reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) foams and graphitic
foams as hosts for PCM. • R&D regarding RVC foams will focus on thermal conductivity improvement. The inner
surface of RVC will be coated with graphite for getting a highly conductive layer, the non-graphitic skeleton just
being the support. • R&D concerning graphitic foams aims at developing low-cost solutions fulfilling seasonal
storage applications requirements. This involves selecting low-cost precursors, determining what processing
parameters control the pores size, the total porosity and the macroscopic thermal conductivity, and controlling
furnace time if, as expected, no full graphitization is required. • Fulfillment of the requirements for seasonal
storage application will be verified by measurement of foams open porosity, specific surface area and
macroscopic thermal conductivity.
Being the core of the project part of a large collaborative network the duties also involve contact point with project
partners, elaboration of reports, drafts and final submission of international publications. A high degree of initiative
is expected.

Requirements
Minimum studies : PhD in solid-state chemistry, thermal engineering or related fields with specialisation in carbon
science. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are a must. _ Knowledge of French is desirable.
Minimum experience : 0-18 months post PhD
Minimum requirements : PhD degree. Excellent knowledge of English.
Desired requirements : Experience and autonomy in research, ability to work in team.
Nationality : Applications from any country will be considered.
Contract type : Postdoctoral researcher
Salary : 25,200 €/yr

Contact
Pr. Alain CELZARD
Tel : +33 329 29 62 14
E-mail