The design of new nuclear reactors named MSR, for Molten Salt Reactor, is currently being studied at the CEA, but also internationally. During their operation, gaseous fission products are generated and must be extracted, in particular Xe and Kr. For this purpose, adsorption on solid support in fixed bed columns are considered, but such processes require the development of very selective materials with high sorption capacities. Recently, Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) materials have demonstrated exceptional selectivity for noble gas trapping. However, such materials are generally synthesized in a fine powder form, which is not compatible with an application in fixed bed processes.
This PD works aims to synthesize MOFs and develop a shaping technique, so that they can be used in columns for the trapping and separation of noble gases. Firstly, the most promising MOF structures will be identified in the literature and synthesized in laboratory. Then a process allowing their granular shaping will be developed. This shaping will optimize the application of MOFs in a fixed bed column process and their capture performances will be determined using a gas separation pilot.
The student must have a strong interest in experimentation. He/she will develop skills in synthesis and characterization of materials (SEM, XRD, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, etc.). More generally, the student will have the opportunity to address the complexities linked to a gas treatment process using fixed bed columns.