Description of the thesis topic

The energy transition towards renewable energies has become a priority. However, their intermittent nature requires developing efficient energy storage systems for timely release. To this end, the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier is one of the most attractive solutions. However, its deployment remains limited, particularly concerning the development of secure and compact storage. Given their high capacities, solid-state storage in complex borohydride hydrides such as LiBH4 (18.3 wt% H2) represents a promising alternative. However, these materials face unsuitable cycling operating conditions (T and PH2). Complex aluminum hydrides such as NaAlH4 (7.4 wt%) represent another credible option for solid-state hydrogen storage. Indeed, despite having lower storage capacities than borohydrides, alanates enjoy favorable thermodynamic properties, allowing hydrogen absorption and desorption under moderate pressure and temperature conditions.

This study aims at developing mixed anion chemical systems borohydride/alanate of the type A(BH4)y-x(AlH4)x (A = alkali or alkaline-earth). It is hoped that this anionic mixture will have a synergistic effect, taking advantage of one hand the high storage capacities of borohydrides and on the other hand the favorable thermodynamic properties of alanates. Since this type of system is scarcely referenced in the literature, original synthesis routes will be developed. The systems (1-x)A(BH4)y–xA(AlH4)y will be selected in collaboration with the modeling and calculation group of ICMPE responsible for generating mixed anion structures using generative algorithms. The obtained materials will be systematically analyzed by XRD, FTIR, and solid-state 27Al and 11B NMR to determine their structural properties. Measurements of absorption/desorption curves on Sieverts-type volumetric benches and thermal analyses (TGA, DSC, thermogravimetric diffraction, and thermal desorption coupled with mass spectrometry) will highlight the hydrogen storage properties (thermodynamic and kinetic) of the materials developed in this project.

The student must hold a master's degree in chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or materials science. He/she should be highly motivated, with expertise in the elaboration and physico-chemical characterization of inorganic materials, including routine techniques such as XRD, FTIR, NMR, TGA, DSC… The candidate must demonstrate autonomy in his/her research work and scientific curiosity; he/she must also thrive as part of a team and enjoy collaborative work. Experience in hydrogen storage materials and synthesis in an inert atmosphere would be highly appreciated.

Work Context

The thesis will take place at ICMPE (Thiais, 94).

ICMPE is a research center in chemistry and materials science (https://www.icmpe.cnrs.fr) that encompasses a wide range of research areas, from the design to the preparation and optimization of materials for potential industrial applications. It conducts in-depth studies on new materials at various scales for structural and functional applications, primarily in the fields of transportation and energy. ICMPE has considerable expertise in various aspects of the thesis: the development of hydrides, thermodynamic, structural, and physico-chemical characterizations of the materials developed. The student will work within the IHM (Hydrogen-Matter Interaction) team and will collaborate closely with the MC (Modeling Calculation) group.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Additional Information

This position is located in a sector covered by the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival be authorized by the competent authority of the