Experimental physicist, driving state of the art test and characterization equipment for EUV material science

Driving state of the art test and characterization equipment for EUV material science

In this project, I will develop a plasma reactor with an integrated solid oxide cell (SOC). This new research platform at DIFFER will serve to investigate the synergy of SOC performance in an environment of plasma-activated species. The overarching goal here is to stimulate the processes of CO2 electrolysis and O2 separation, both of which can help to improve the efficiency of electrically-driven production of renewable CO2-neutral fuels from CO2 feedstock.

In my PhD research, I investigated the use of microwave plasmas to efficiently convert CO2 from the atmosphere into CO: a valuable feedstock for the production of diesel, methane, and other hydrocarbons that can substitute fossil fuels we use today. Such renewable and carbon-neutral CO2-derived fuels are set to play a key role in the energy transition by providing the large scale capacity of energy storage and transport required to gap the intermittency of renewable energy sources. By combining plasma theory, experimental plasma diagnostics, and chemical reactor modeling, I have developed valuable insight into the phenomena of power deposition and gas transport, its impact on the plasma properties, and its correlation to the reactor performance. My research has helped to realize a breakthrough in our understanding of the dominant chemical processes in and around the plasma environment, and associated limitations and opportunities to further enhance reaction efficiency. This improved description of the plasma process paves the way for subsequent stages of development: upscaling and system integration of the plasma reactor in the fuel synthesis production process.

Student member of the "Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion" study program committee

Feasibility study of the basic design of a high heat-flux testing facility for ITER plasma facing components.