DC3: High-yield hydrogen production from sludge using catalytic gasification processes

DC3: High-yield hydrogen production from sludge using catalytic gasification processes (WP1)

Host institution: University of Patras (Greece)

Supervisor: Dionyssios Mantzavinos (PhD promoter)

Objectives: (i) to design and fabricate low-cost and environmentally-friendly inorganic catalysts, (ii) to produce syngas with a high content of hydrogen from sludge using catalytic gasification processes, and iii) to evaluate the possibility of using the formed biochar as a solid fuel.

DC3 will characterize the physicochemical properties of the sludge from different sources and will investigate the effect of various temperatures and retention times on the gasification of sludge for hydrogen production. DC3 will design and fabricate an efficient pyrolysis reactor apparatus for controlled conversion of sludge to hydrogen. This effort involves precision engineering and innovative design strategies to ensure the apparatus is robust, efficient, and suitable for large-scale sludge-to-hydrogen conversion processes. DC3 will focus on improving hydrogen production by using a low-frequency ultrasonic sludge pretreatment stage or employing several inorganic catalysts during the gasification process. DC3 will also examine the impact of the low-frequency ultrasonic sludge pretreatment stage or inorganic catalysts on the formed biochar. DC3 will aim to enhance the efficiency of the process by manipulating the processing conditions. DC3 will systematically study the mechanisms involved in the conversion of sludge to syngas containing hydrogen. Finally, DC3 will evaluate the energy balance, cost-effectiveness, and lifecycle environmental impacts of the proposed process.

Expected results: Optimum production of syngas with a high hydrogen content (>50%) and biochar with a high calorific value. Reports and protocols developed for the production of high-hydrogen content syngas.

Planned secondments:

• UAVR (Sup.: I. Capela): M15-18, 4 months: Design, fabrication of advanced catalytic materials;
• Tartu Veevärk (Sup.: K. Põhako): M30-32; 3 months: Scale-up consideration and engineering practices.

Enrolment in Doctoral degree: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras.

Ideal candidate profile:

The ideal PhD candidate should have a background in:

• Chemical Engineering or
• Environmental Engineering or
• Chemistry.

with expertise in:

• catalysis;
• physicochemical characterization of materials;
• analytical chemistry;
• environmental chemistry;
• advanced oxidation processes;
• electrochemistry;
• hydrogen production;
• methane production through anaerobic digestion.

Recruited candidate:Madelyne Mero Benavides