Missions

The recycling of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is a key challenge for sustainable energy technologies. One of the main obstacles lies in the presence of polymeric binders, in particular polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which hampers separation processes such as flotation. The PVDF binder, in addition to generate agglomerated dense aggregates, imparts similar surface characteristics (hydrophobicity) to both active materials (CAMs) and conductive additives (AAMs), reducing the efficiency of flotation-based separation.
To address this issue, the project explores the removal of PVDF binders using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) and co-solvents. This process was demonstrated to be effective for the delamination of electrode components by dissolving the binder, while preserving the morphology and structure of the recovered materials. Previous results obtained at ICMCB demonstrated the feasibility of this approach on model electrodes, showing high-quality recovery of both CAM and PVDF, potentially suitable for direct reuse (N. Hayagan et al. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2025, 13, 1, 105–118). However, the treatment of aged batteries and industrial black mass introduces additional challenges due to the altered properties of PVDF after use and cycling history.

Activités

The selected candidate will be in charge of:
• Conducting a literature survey to stay updated on the current state-of-the-art processes for binder removal
• Designing and conducting experiments for PVDF removal from black mass using pressurized CO₂ with co-solvents.
• Optimizing process parameters (pressure, temperature, time, solvent mixtures, etc.) to ensure efficient binder removal.
• Characterizing recovered materials to assess their suitability for reuse (structural, morphological, and chemical analyses).
• Providing PVDF-free samples for flotation experiments carried out by GeoRessources.
• Interacting with consortium partners within the SYNERGIE project.

Compétences

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Strong background in supercritical fluids, polymer processing, or materials recycling.
• Experience with experimental design, process optimization, and materials characterization techniques (XRD, SEM, TGA, etc.).
• Motivation to work in a collaborative research environment with both academic and industrial partners.
• Good communication and writing skills in English (French is an asset but not mandatory).

Contexte de travail

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 280 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.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

Work with pressurized and heated systems