Enhancing Stability of Bio-Oils through Analysis of Oxygenated Compounds Aging (Ref N 17)

IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) est un acteur majeur de la recherche et de la formation dans les domaines de l’énergie, du transport et de l’environnement. De la recherche à l’industrie, l’innovation technologique est au cœur de son action, articulée autour de quatre priorités stratégiques : CLIMAT, ENVIRONNEMENT ET ÉCONOMIE CIRCULAIRE, ÉNERGIES RENOUVELABLES, MOBILITÉ DURABLE et HYDROCARBURES RESPONSABLES.

L’engagement d’IFPEN en faveur d’un mix énergétique durable se traduit par des actions visant :

• à gagner en efficacité énergétique ;
• à réduire les émissions de CO2 et de polluants ;
• à améliorer l’empreinte environnementale de l’industrie et des transports ;

tout en répondant à la demande mondiale en mobilité, en énergie et en produits pour la chimie.

Dans cet objectif, IFPEN développe des solutions permettant, d’une part, d’utiliser des sources d’énergie alternatives et, d’autre part, d’améliorer les technologies existantes liées à l’exploitation des énergies fossiles.

Enhancing Stability of Bio-Oils through Analysis of Oxygenated Compounds Aging

In response to the depletion of petroleum resources and the urgent need to decarbonize the energy sector, the production of biofuels from biomass stands out as a promising alternative. However, bio-oils derived from pyrolysis face significant stability challenges, primarily due to oxidation reactions that cause degradation during storage. These bio-oils typically contain 20-40% w/w oxygen within their hydrocarbon matrix, contributing to undesirable polymerization processes. There is a notable gap in the literature regarding the behavior of oxygenated compounds and their impact on the oxidation stability of bio-oils.

(This research will contribute to the R12 and Axens process development of and support the CRPE strategy regarding the expectations for bio-oil co-processing for SAF production.)

Internship Objectives:

• Evaluate the aging behavior of various oxygenated compounds representative of chemical families present in pyrolysis bio-oils, including alcohols, ethers, esters, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids.
• Identify oxidation mechanisms and potential synergies between different functional groups through detailed analytical measurements.
• Develop strategies for optimizing bio-oil formulations to enhance their stability.

Planned Work:

1. Conducting Accelerated Aging Tests:
• Perform Rancimat and Rapidoxy tests following standardized protocols in collaboration with the EFFECT team in Rueil.
2. Analytical Monitoring of Aging:
• Measure the Induction Period (IP) at various stages of aging.
• Optionally, quantify peroxides through titration to evaluate the progression of oxidation reactions.
3. Analysis of Results:
• Construct a comprehensive database of oxygenated species.
• Investigate potential synergies related to feedstock composition.
• Interpret the roles and mechanisms of each functional group based on observed oxidation profiles.
4. Perspectives:
• Propose optimized protocols aimed at improving the stability of bio-oils.

Skills to be Developed:

• Proficiency in conducting aging tests (Rancimat and Rapidoxy) and physico-chemical analyses.
• Mastery of analytical protocols, including titration and IR measurements.
• Ability to interpret experimental data and compile technical reports.

Candidate Profile:

Master's student (Master 2), engineering school student, or equivalent in chemistry, chemical engineering, or process engineering.

• Desired knowledge in analytical chemistry and bioenergy.
• Scientific curiosity, experimental rigor, and a passion for applied research.

Keywords: Bio-oils, biomass pyrolysis, accelerated aging

Internship Duration and Period: 6 mois from April to September 2026

Internship Location: Rueil-Malmaison