Missions

The oxygen electrode (positive) behavior is one of the major issues for an efficient Hybrid Molten Carbonate - Solid Oxide Cell (HMCSOC) operation. Indeed, in addition to present strong over-voltages which represents its main electrical loss (as in the case of an O2 – SOC), the control of the electrode composition and the optimization of its microstructure are major issues regarding the performance and durability of this type of electrochemical cell. In the present work, the studies will be focused on composite type electrodes. This is easily explained because no mixed O2- / CO32- / e- conducting material, leading to the ideal mechanism of oxygen reduction, has been discovered until now. The goal will be to benefit of the high O2- conductivity of an electrolyte material such as SDC, which is very efficient especially at reduced temperature as already shown for instance in the case of composite electrolytes (ref), here used as a backbone prior to decorate the surface of this porous materials with a Mixed Ionic and Electronic Conducting (MIEC) materials playing the role of electro catalyst. Alternatively, GDC should be considered as well with however lower ionic transport properties in the lower temperature range which could a penalizing point.

Activities

-powder synthesis
-shaping
-sintering
physico-chemical characterization (XRD, SEM, ATG, etc.)
-electrochemical measurements

Skills

solid state chemistry
materials science
electrochemical characterization

Work Context

Created in 1995, the Bordeaux Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry (ICMCB) focuses its research on Solid State Chemistry, Materials Science and Chemistry and Process: designing, preparing, shaping and characterizing materials in order to discover, control and optimize specific functions. The ICMCB carries out fundamental research on model materials and/or materials with potential applications.
The ICMCB is a UMR with an average of 270 agents (permanent and non-permanent), with 3 tutelles, hosted by the CNRS and in total ZRR. The position is located in a sector covered by the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PSTP), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that the arrival of the agent be authorized by the competent authority of MESR.

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.

Constraints and risks

chemical hazard
electrical equipments