Missions

Bibliographic research on novel material electrodes and WISE (water-in-salt electrolytes) applied to aqueous rechargeable ammonium ion batteries (ARAIB).
Elaboration of ARAIB based on phosphate-based cathodes and selected WISE. Performance studies on different conditions (composite electrode formulation, electrolyte formulation, pH, oxide or polymer-based negative electrode, temperature…) Optimisation of the devices.
Redaction of drafts/publications and attendance to conferences.

Activités

This position is supervised by a consortium between ICMPE and ICMMO. The post-doctoral researcher will work on both laboratories.
He/she will carry out extended bibliographic research on phosphate materials for ARAIB, mainly containing ammonium ions; alternatively on novel materials, including sustainable oxides.
At ICMPE, the postdoctoral researcher will perform inorganic solids (phosphate, oxides) synthesis by solid state reactions, hydrothermal process or electrodeposition. These solids will be characterized through i) diffraction of X-rays (XRD), ii) Scanning Electron Microscopy and iii) Raman, FTIR and X-rays photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies with the ICMPE/ICMMO facilities. Composition will be checked by Inductively Couple Plasma measurements. Organic polymers will be supplied.
The postdoctoral researcher will build tree electrode cells containing ammonium salts dissolved in water or WISE electrolytes in both laboratories. These tests should give information about the operating voltage, gravimetric capacities and cycling life of the material in the ammonium aqueous environment. The study of the electrode/electrolyte interface will be mainly conducted at ICMMO through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and at ICMPE conducting XPS and Raman spectroscopies studies. Special attention will be paid to the reaction kinetics using this technique.
The postdoctoral researcher will correlate the electrochemical features to advanced structural study, providing monthly reports and drafts for publications which he/she will be the first author.

Compétences

Fluent in oral and written English.
Ability to work as a team member, well organised, having initiative and disciplined.
Knowledge of the main techniques employed for the synthesis and physicochemical characterisation of materials.
Familiarity with the design and study of aqueous rechargeable batteries including electrochemical properties of electrode materials, testing, and corrosion limitation.

Contexte de travail

ICMPE and ICMMO are laboratories 24 km far, but public transportation exists for connecting both places. Planning on the researcher work will be provided beforehand in order to optimize his/her displacements.
The post-doctoral research will share in both laboratories an office with a PC and will have the common advantages dedicated to CNRS fixed-term employees, including access to a vegetable option integrated in the canteens. ICMPE and ICMMO facilities, others than those specific of the SEE and ERIEE teams, will be accessible to the researcher.
Before starting to operate in both labs, the researcher will attend health and security trainings, the laboratories guaranteeing the needful items for his/her security during manipulations.

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

Most of the chemicals involved in the post-doctoral research are not hazardous, in order to satisfy the design of sustainable, non-toxic, environmentally friendly batteries.

Informations complémentaires

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 MESR.