Comprehensive characterization of advanced bio-oils by a multitechnique approach combining column and planar chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometry

Among the renewable energies (i.e. solar, wind), biomass has great potential. To produce biofuels, different processes are available and for one them, pyrolysis, leads to a liquid mixture called bio-oil. Contrary to heavy fuel oil, bio-oils contain high amount of oxygen species (i.e. carbonyl and acid species) that are responsible for corrosion, storage issue and catalyst poisoning. Moreover, this
mixture is prone to condensation reactions such as polymerization so its composition is not stable over time. To orient the choice of upgrading treatment, it is necessary to have a deep knowledge of the bio-oil composition. Because of their complexity, their molecular composition is not yet fully-known and their actual physicochemical properties prevent them from being directly used. Therefore, to optimize both the conversion and upgrading processes, high performance techniques with cutting edge instruments must be developed and applied to achieve their most extensive molecular description.Various analytical techniques will be developped through this project :
- Implementation of the first online SFC-FTICR MS 18 T (2⍵) hyphenation (different types of column, solvent, ionisation source…) to take benefit of the isomer separation capacity of SFC and mass accuracy, resolution and dynamic range of the new FTICR 18 T.
- Synthesis of new HPTLC plates and achievement of offline HPTLC-LDI-FTICR MS using different home-made HPTLC plates to increase selectivity, reduce definitive adsorption and improve the class separation.
- Development of new achiral SFC columns (synthesis, characterization, packing, column performance tests) to expand the possibilities for complex sample analysis.

INSA Rouen Normandie 

Institut CARMeN

Our institute is also classified as a ZRR (Zone à Régime Restrictif), so access is subject to authorisation from the Ministry of the Interior.

Master in analytical chemistry
- Knowledge in analytical techniques (both chromatography and mass spectrometry)
- Interest for method development and analytical sciences
A willingness to communicate and popularise scientific results is also desirable, as the person recruited will be able to take part in national dissemination days for the general public, such as the Fêtes de la science, FENO, Chimie & Terroir, among others.