Description du poste
*RESEARCH GROUP CISCO2, LABORATORY UCCS *
*« *_*Formulation of Phase Change Material (PCM)/Water Nanoemulsions Stabilized with Cellulose Nanocrystals*_ *» *
*PERIOD:* 6 months / February 2026
Compensation: allowance of approximately €670/month
*Supervisor: Jesus F.
ONTIVEROS *
*Co-Supervisor(s): Véronique RATAJ*
*Location: CISCO *
*Phone number:* *0320336365 *
*Email: jesus-fermin.ontiveros@centralelille.fr*
*Abstract: *
This internship is part of the ongoing research within the CISCO team on innovative and sustainable formulations for thermal energy applications (1).
The project aims to investigate the formulation of oil-in-water nanoemulsions incorporating bio-based phase change materials (PCMs) such as fatty acids or derivatives of vegetable oils.
Such systems are promising candidates for thermal energy storage applications.
A particular emphasis will be placed on the reduction of supercooling, a common phenomenon in emulsified PCM systems.
In the absence of nucleation sites, solidification is delayed, decreasing thermal storage efficiency.
Introducing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) at the oil–water interface may provide effective heterogeneous nucleation sites, facilitating phase transition.
While studies using cellulose nanofibrils have already been reported (2), the use of CNCs for stabilizing PCM nanoemulsions remains unexplored.
The central hypothesis is that CNCs could replace the polymers typically used for PCM encapsulation, and that a CNC–surfactant mixture may yield stable nanoemulsions.
The main objective of this internship is to understand the effect of physico-chemical and compositional variables (surfactant type, surfactant/CNC ratio, oil nature, oil/water ratio, etc.) on the stability of the nanoemulsions.
The experimental work will rely on a combination of characterization techniques—Turbiscan analysis, particle size measurements, optical microscopy—and thermal analyses (DSC).
The thermal conductivity of the most stable formulations will also be measured, and, depending on the results, heat-transfer experiments may be carried out.
*Keywords: *Phase Change Materials, emulsion, heat transfer, nanocellulose.
*Techniques: *DSC, Granulometer, Rheometer, Turbiscan, Optical Microscopy.
*Skills required: *Master’s student (M2) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical/Process Engineering.
Strong interest in dispersed systems (emulsions, colloids).
Experimental rigor, autonomy, and scientific curiosity.
Critical thinking, Initiative, Adaptability, Communication.
*References *
(1) Aguibi, K., Dubois, V., Chaveriat, L., Ontiveros, J.
F., Nardello-Rataj, V., Martin, P., & Wirquin, E.
(2024).
Plant-based composite foam as insulating material: Foaming agent effect.
_Journal of Building Engineering_, _97_, 110685.
(2) Kaya, G.
B., Kim, Y., Callahan, K., & Kundu, S.
(2022).
Microencapsulated phase change material via Pickering emulsion stabilized by cellulose nanofibrils for thermal energy storage.
_Carbohydrate Polymers_, _276_, 118745.
Centrale Lille
ENSCL – Cité Scientifique – CS 90108 – 59652 Villeneuve d’Ascq Cedex – France
Type d'emploi : Stage
Durée du contrat : 6 mois
Rémunération : 650,00€ à 680,00€ par mois
Lieu du poste : En présentiel
Exigences:
• {'label': 'Recherche', 'requirementSeverity': 'REQUIRED'}
• {'label': 'Expérience en laboratoire', 'requirementSeverity': 'REQUIRED'}
• {'label': 'Chimie', 'requirementSeverity': 'REQUIRED'}
