Internship and thesis proposals
Phase separation of a thermoresponsive binary solution under flow for osmotic energy production

Domaines
Soft matter
Physics of liquids
Hydrodynamics/Turbulence/Fluid mechanics

Type of internship
Expérimental et théorique
Description
This project aims to recover very low-temperature waste heat (< 60°C) by combining a temperature-responsive water + ionic liquid mixture, which undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation above a critical temperature, with electricity production through an osmotic process, in collaboration with L. Bocquet (LPENS) and Emmanuel Benichou (ILM). While the proof of concept of this process is already demonstrated, many fundamental questions remain to be addressed. One of these is understanding the liquid-liquid phase separation dynamics of the binary solution, which undergoes separation above a critical temperature when subjected to an external flow, exhibiting complex flow patterns. The subsequent PhD thesis will involve fundamental studies on these flows performed in microfluidics experiments, combining experimental and modeling approaches. The funding of the PhD is secured.

Contact
Marie-Caroline Jullien
Laboratory : IPR - UMR 6251
Team : Matière Molle
Team Website
/ Thesis :    Funding :