Post-Doc (M/F): Bio-based semi-crystalline polymers for sustainable energy harvesting

Job Description

Missions

The post-doc will aim to develop highly polar bio-based polymers, including poly(hydroxyurethane)s (PHUs), with relaxor properties.

Activity

• The PHUs will be polymerized from bio-based dicarbonates and long-chain diamines to promote crystallization. Solvent-free reactive extrusion in line with methods following green chemistry principles will pe prioritized
• Their structural characteristics will be examined using X-ray scattering (WAXS, SAXS). These structural features will be finely tuned with the controlled introduction of conformational defects and bulkier side groups to limit interactions.
• Strong emphasis will be placed on increasing the molecular weight of the PHUs to enable the production of stable thin-film capacitors.
• These bio-based polymers will be later integrated into sustainable energy-harvesting devices by a PhD student working in close collaboration with the post-doc.

Your Profil

Skills

• PhD in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in polymer synthesis and polymer processing.
• Experience in thermal, mechanical, crystallographic and dielectric characterization techniques (e.g. DSC, DMA, WAXS, dielectric spectroscopy) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with reactive extrusion is an asset.
• Ability to work independently while thriving in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
• Good written and oral communication skills in English (French is an advantage but not mandatory).

Your Work Environment

Tackling the climate crisis requires eliminating greenhouse gas emissions, largely by developing sustainable, renewable energy sources. While we are surrounded by abundant renewable energy, the challenge lies in efficiently converting it for use. Energy harvesting conversion is thus crucial for this transition, and advances in materials science, particularly ferroelectric materials, play a key role.
Ferroelectrics enable various energy conversions, such as mechanical and/or thermal to electrical and back. Ferroelectrics, are insulating materials, with high polarization when exposed to electric fields. This originates from their strong dipole interactions, which can be finely tuned through structural defects.
Relaxor ferroelectrics, in which this polarization is reversible, are essential for applications like actuators and electrocaloric coolers. However, current relaxors rely on energy-intensive ceramics, often lead-based. While organic polymers offer cheaper alternatives, their reliance on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) and petroleum-based monomers presents long-term sustainability challenges.

In collaboration with the IMS (Intégration du Matériau au Système) laboratory, the LCPO aims at developing new electroactive polymers to tackle the aforementioned challenges. The LCPO has a vast experience in electroactive polymers. This work includes the precise engineering of the microstructure of these semi-crystalline polymers, alongside in-depth characterization to elucidate their structure-property relationships and enhance their performance in various energy-related applications. Additionally, the LCPO has pioneered green chemistry approaches to polymer syntheses and developed processes to create novel bio-based polymers, with built-in features to control their properties and end-of-life.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

From 3041 € to 4216 € gross per month depending on experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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