PRR Project

Summary

The proposed position aims to enhance the strong research focus that the IN+ (Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research) center in LARSyS possesses, through its area of transport phenomena, with a particular emphasis on hydrogen-based energy conversion systems. The proposal involves the development of laboratory work on renewable energy conversion, including reactive systems, the use of fuel cells, the study of new materials for electrode formation, analysis of new electrolytic liquid media, and integration of mechanical devices coupled to electrolytic cells to accelerate the hydrogen formation process during electrolysis. Advances in the sector should prioritize the development of this technology through green hydrogen systems.Various methods of hydrogen production have been studied over the years, where, for economic and environmental reasons, the option of water electrolysis stands out. Most often, for the realization of the water electrolysis process, alkaline solutions are chosen, which are highly corrosive. These solutions, besides damaging the electrodes, lead to the degradation of the materials used in the construction of the equipment involved in the system. For this reason, the study of new fluids with high performance can replace traditional ones without harming the electrodes. Another possibility is to analyze new materials for the electrodes. In the same vein, testing surface coating techniques, already well-established by IN+/LARSyS researchers, can be used and adapted to enhance both hydrogen production and the lifespan of the electrodes.Lastly, the efficiency in hydrogen production, in addition to the previously mentioned conditions, is also related to the hydrodynamic process, both in formation and detachment of gas from the surface. If the gas does not leave the surface quickly, bubbles can hinder the activation of nucleation sites on the electrode, reducing the hydrogen production capacity. Thus, the possibility of developing mechanical/electro-electronic devices to attach to fuel cells, with the aim of expelling gases from them, can be used to increase hydrogen production during the electrolysis process.Unique laboratory conditions will allow the prospective employee to apply and develop state-of-the art diagnostic techniques to further understand and describe the physics governing the processes to be studied and developed.The position will also allow to develop skills in microscale characterization and implementation techniques based on our Laboratory of Interfacial plus Micro-Scale Transport Phenomena, which has supported well-grounded technology development for industrial application, based on fundamental state of the art research. These experimental skills will be combined with those required for applying mathematical and computational modelling tools to the understanding of the complex and mass transfer processes required to further develop the technology. Integration with a multidisciplinary team will further allow to combine this technological development with sustainable production tools, namely using techniques such as life cycle assessment, input-output analysis, and economic valuation to actually develop sustainable energy production and conversion solutions.Within this context, it is intended that this position leverages past experience and enables new capabilities in this research field. The potential employee should be capable of utilizing the aforementioned skills, developing new tools and methods, and applying them in real-world situations, collaborating with stakeholders from the private sector and public administration, including contributing to the development and evaluation of public policies. This position will also strengthen the scientific capacity of the IN+ center at LARSyS, reinforcing this emerging and necessary area for national and global energy transition.Talented researchers have been previously identified through a systematic scouting process and will also be ensured through the widespread promotion of the job opening.