Missions

- Synthesis of MXene by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and molten salts
- Optimization of synthesis conditions followed by physicochemical characterization of the materials obtained
- Synthesis of MXene and hard carbon composites
- Preparation of electrodes and electrochemical testing in supercapacitors and batteries
- Study of charging mechanisms using ex-situ and operando techniques

Activities

Two-dimensional (2D) materials based on transition metal carbides and nitrides, also known as MXenes, show particular promise for electrochemical energy storage. Unfortunately, their synthesis is currently unsustainable because it requires a lot of energy and the use of toxic chemicals (e.g., HF). In this project, we propose to develop the synthesis of MXenes by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and by using molten salts. The work at IS2M will consist of optimizing the synthesis of MXene materials and their composites with hard carbon, their physicochemical characterization using various techniques, and the evaluation of their performance in supercapacitors and Na-ion batteries. In-operando analysis techniques will be implemented to deepen our understanding of energy storage mechanisms. This approach will optimize device performance, particularly in terms of energy density, capacity, and lifespan.

Skills

- Experience in MXene synthesis
- Knowledge of CVD technology
- Experience in electrochemistry
- Lab skills in materials characterization techniques
- Proficiency in English (level B2) and good writing skills

Work Context

The candidate (M/F) will join the Carbon and Hybrid Materials (CMH) division of the Mulhouse Institute of Materials Science (IS2M), under the supervision of Dr. Camélia Ghimbeu, Director of Research. The Mulhouse Institute of Materials Science (IS2M) is a joint CNRS–University research unit located in Haute-Alsace, France (UMR 7361). Research conducted at IS2M focuses on the development of innovative methods and processes for the synthesis, shaping, functionalization, and biofunctionalization of materials, as well as the development of specific and/or customized characterization methods. The study of the mechanisms of interaction between a surface and its environment, as well as the establishment of property correlations at different scales, are carried out in close connection with numerous fields of application: energy, pollution control, sensors, catalysis, etc.
The institute has a wide range of high-performance equipment, enhanced by eleven ISO 9001-certified technical platforms, enabling in-depth physicochemical characterization of material properties. The work will be carried out within the “Carbon and Hybrid Materials” (CMH) team. This team has recognized expertise in the manufacture of carbon materials with adjusted properties and their detailed characterization, as well as in their use as electrodes for supercapacitors and batteries. The team has a large experimental facility dedicated to the synthesis of materials (autoclaves, pyrolysis and CVD furnaces, microwave furnace, etc.) and also to their electrochemical characterization (glove box, battery cycler, potentiostat, DRX/Raman operando cells, etc.).

The work will mainly take place at IS2M, and stays at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), Berlin, Germany are also planned in order to carry out additional analyses.

The candidate (M/F) will also benefit from campus catering (subsidized rate), partial reimbursement of transportation costs, a sustainable mobility package, a library, continuing education, 32 days of vacation, 12 days of RTT, 2 days of split leave, teleworking, and access to public transportation.

The position is in a sector subject to scientific and technical potential protection (PPST) and therefore, in accordance with regulations, requires your arrival to be authorized by the competent authority of the 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

Risks associated with chemicals, combustible and corrosive gases, handling in glove boxes and with metallic sodium. Few travels to Germany are planned within the project.