Missions

The proposed mission is part of the CELCER-EHT project (Ceramic Cells for durable, performant and cost efficient HTE) funded by PEPR-H2 (Priority Research Programs and Equipment on decarbonized hydrogen). The research strategy is based on the development of materials and processes and is divided into two axes. The first axis aims to improve the most promising state of the art cell materials by optimizing their compositions, microstructures and interfaces: Ni-YSZ cermet, yttrium-doped zirconia (YSZ) and perovskite oxides as LSCF. New cell materials will then be developed and new microstructures will be proposed. The main objective of this mission is to identify key parameters to improve sustainability in operating conditions while maintaining sufficient activity for the production of hydrogen at the negative electrode and oxygen at the positive electrode based on appropriate electrochemical characterizations. Electrochemical methods play a central role in understanding the mechanisms related to a performance drop or degradation.

Activities

Activities
The electrochemical properties of cells developed by the project consortium will be determined from steady-state current density – voltage curves and complex impedance spectroscopy measurements in high temperature electrolysis mode. The test protocol was defined from the characterization of reference cell in the project based on the Ni-YSZ (ZrO2 - 8 mol .% Y2O3)/YSZ/GDC (GdxCe1-xO2-)/ LSCF (La1-xSrxCo1-yFeyO3-)-GDC assembly.

Electrochemical characterization of symmetric cells
The symmetrical anodic (oxygen electrode) and cathodic (hydrogen electrode) cells will be based on improved reference materials, in terms of composition and microstructure, and then on new materials: nickel-based cermets for the negative electrode and composites including GDC (over-stoichiometric oxygen oxides and decomposition products) for the positive electrode. The anode cells will be characterized as functions of temperature (700 – 800 °C) and oxygen partial pressure p(O2). The cathodic responses will be determined in the same temperature range versus the p(H2O)/p(H2) ratio. The influence of the cathodic gas flow on the electrochemical responses will be investigated at 750 °C. These measurements will be completed by the characterization of the studied assemblies by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The experimental parameters obtained will serve as input data and will make it possible to calibrate the elementary electrochemical kinetics models developed by the CEA-Liten in Grenoble.

Electrochemical characterization of whole cells
The complete cells, with a surface area of less than 10 cm2, integrating improved reference materials and new materials will be tested for performance and durability experiments for periods up to 1000 hours in a galvanostatic mode. The tests will be performed at 750 °C and 800 °C, setting the p(H2O)/p(H2) ratio, the current density and the water vapor conversion rate. The reproducibility on the performance measurements will be determined at 750 °C for a fixed p(H2O)/p(H2) ratio. XRD and Raman spectroscopy analyzes will also be carried out. Microstructural parameters deduced from characterizations performed by partners of the project and electrochemical responses will be simulated using digital twins. The comparison between experimental results and simulations will make possible to deduce the most relevant parameters on the performance and durability of complete cells.

Skills

The recruited person must master the implementation of steady-state and dynamic electrochemical methods on solid oxide cells operating at high temperatures and the interpretation of experimental results. He/she must also have skills on the processes for producing ceramic oxides with controlled microstructure. He/she must be capable of carrying out structural and microstructural characterizations on this type of materials: X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, IR and Raman spectroscopies. Good skills in heterogeneous catalysis will be appreciated. The recruited person must be able to work independently with rigor and good oral and written communication skills are expected.

Work Context

Position Context: This position is part of a project under the Priority Research Equipment and Programs (PEPR) on Hydrogen, a national priority initiative aimed at accelerating innovation in this field. The LEPMI (Laboratory of Electrochemistry and Physico-chemistry of Materials and Interfaces – CNRS/Grenoble INP/UGA/USMB) is a leading laboratory in electrochemistry and materials science, renowned for its expertise in interfaces and energy systems. The work will be conducted within the MIEL team (Materials, Interfaces, and Electrochemistry).

Collaborations:
The project relies on partnerships with other CNRS and CEA laboratories, fostering a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach.
Organization and Monitoring:
• Regular meetings (weekly or monthly) are held to review progress, identify challenges, and adjust priorities.
• Steering committees with PEPR H2 partners validate strategic directions and project deliverables.
• Scientific seminars are organized to share results and strengthen exchanges between teams.
Technical Resources: The position provides privileged access to state-of-the-art scientific equipment, including:
• Test benches for electrolyzers and fuel cells (performance and durability testing).
• Characterization techniques: spectroscopy (XPS, Raman), microscopy (SEM, TEM), X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis (TGA, DSC).
• Secure laboratories compliant with ATEX standards, equipped with leak detectors for hydrogen handling.
Work Environment:
Work pace: Flexible hours, though some experiments (particularly in electrochemistry) may require presence outside standard working hours.
Impact: Project results can have significant scientific and industrial impacts, leading to publications, patents, and increased visibility.
Atmosphere: The team offers a collaborative and supportive environment, characterized by a spirit of mutual assistance to address technical and scientific challenges.

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

The constraints are linked to health and safety constraints for working in a chemistry laboratory. The risks are mainly linked to handling of chemicals and gases.