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Project title: Novel boron carbon nitride composite membranes for efficient hydrogen purification from ammonia

Project acronym: BORON

Overall project duration: 16 months

Brief description of the project: The project aims to develop a new strategy for purifying hydrogen produced by ammonia electrolysis using innovative composite membranes based on boron-carbon-nitride (BCN). These membranes will be synthesized by depositing BCN material in the form of thin membrane layers onto commercial ceramic supports and tested at the European Membrane Institute (IEM), one of the leading laboratories in France to have initiated research in this field. In fact, our research group is among the first in the country to explore this area, offering a novel approach to purifying hydrogen streams contaminated with residual ammonia. It is also worth noting that while the primary objective is the separation of ammonia from hydrogen, the membranes will also be evaluated for their ability to separate other gases, including carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.

Main mission: Develop a new strategy for purifying hydrogen produced by ammonia electrolysis; this approach is based on the use of innovative composite membranes made of BCN.

Definition of tasks to be performed: 

(1) Membrane Synthesis: The researcher will be responsible for fabricating composite membranes by depositing BCN material in the form of thin layers onto commercial ceramic supports. 

(2) Testing and Evaluation: The membranes will be tested at the European Membrane Institute to assess their efficiency in separating hydrogen from residual ammonia. The researcher will analyze the results and optimize membrane performance. 

(3) Study of Other Gas Separations: While the primary objective is ammonia separation, the researcher will also investigate the membranes' ability to separate other gases, particularly carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. 

(4) Analysis of Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Properties: The researcher will conduct an in-depth study of the carbon dioxide adsorption capacity of BCN compounds, building on previous work and results obtained with the membranes. 

(5) Exploration of New Applications and Gas Separations: The researcher will explore the potential of BCN-based composite membranes for separating other industrially or environmentally relevant gases beyond carbon dioxide. This may include the separation of gases such as methane, nitrogen oxides, or other atmospheric pollutants. Additionally, the researcher will identify new potential applications for these membranes in areas such as biogas purification, industrial carbon dioxide capture, and hydrogen production from alternative sources.

Precise description of the event or objective result determining the end of the contractual relationship as well as the methods for evaluating and monitoring this result: 

Weekly meetings will be held to identify and highlight the most promising materials and results, which will be essential for preparing and drafting European project proposals (see the position constraints section below). Additionally, we aim to submit an initial scientific publication between the 10th and 12th month of the project, as this publication will serve as a proof of concept for the large-scale projects mentioned above. By the end of the project, at the 16th month, a final report in the form of a publication ready for submission (in addition to the previous publication) is expected, along with at least one of the two major project proposals in an advanced stage (at least 70% completed for submission in the following months).

Job constraints: The contractual researcher position is subject to a high-performance requirement, justified by the need to produce high-quality research results within a limited timeframe.