The economic development of power sources (fuel cells) and hydrogen generation device (low temperature electrolyzer) requires securing the resources of platinum group metals (PGMs). PGMs are of strategic raw materials for our future energy development. In the case of noble metals, the processes used for recycling involve highly volatile substances, which are dangerous for human beings and environment. Furthermore, the use of volatile and corrosive media (cyanide, aqua regia) requires expensive infrastructure that impact on the economic balance of these processes. Thus, the additional costs associated to these processes, the toxicity to the humans and environment needs to investigate new ways of treatment. The aim of the PhD project is to develop an innovative recycling process of PGMs using ionic liquid. We will recover carbon-supported platinum nanoparticles using ionic liquids, electrochemistry and ultrasound. The objective will be to develop innovative process to suspend nanoparticles and recover them by physical treatments. Then, the nanoparticles of platinum could be reintegrated in the manufacturing sector (catalyse field). The method of treatment will have to be effective without release neither toxic gases nor effluents.

This position is open until it is filled.

Département: Département des Technologies des NanoMatériaux (LITEN)
Laboratory: Laboratoire Recyclage et Valorisation des Matériaux
Start Date: 01-05-2015
ECA Code: SL-DRT-15-0758
Contact: emmanuel.billy<στο>cea.fr