Missions

This post-doctorate is part of the ANR DEEP-SENS (Demystifying the Electrode/Electrolyte Interfaces via Operando Piezoelectric SENSing) project, which aims to develop a new-generation analytical tool for studying electrode-electrolyte interfaces in rechargeable batteries. These interfaces play a key role in the performance, stability and lifespan of batteries, but remain difficult to characterise in real time.
DEEP-SENS addresses this challenge by harnessing the power of ac-electrogravimetry, a method based on QCM-type piezoelectric sensors coupled with electrochemical impedance measurements. The project targets rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion, sodium-ion, etc.) in particular, in order to study fundamental phenomena such as the formation of SEI/CEI interfaces, the (de)solvation of ions at interfaces, the interfacial ion transfer, and the mechanical properties of electrodes during charge/discharge cycles.
The aim is to provide a unique tool to better understand the structure and evolution of interfaces/interphases in batteries, and thus, guide the design of more efficient and sustainable systems. Ultimately, the project will lead to the development of a high-resolution ac-electrogravimetry device, an innovative instrument designed entirely in France and intended for the electrochemical community.

Activités

In this work, we aim to study the mechanical properties of electrodes during charge/discharge cycles, in parallel with the ionic insertion/deinsertion phenomena observed by electrogravimetric response. To do this, we will implement a multi-stage approach, combining the development of model electroactive materials, their physico-chemical characterisation, and the advanced exploitation of the method of ac-electrogravimetry with dissipation (ac-EQCM-D) at different harmonics.
Task I: Development of model electroactive thin films with modulable mechanical properties (Prussian Blue analogues, carbon-based films, PEDOT-type conducting polymer). Classical chemical, structural and morphological characterisation.
Task II: Characterisation of ion transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interface using conventional electrochemical (EIS) and electrogravimetric (ac-electrogravimetry) methods.
Task III: Implementation of ac-electrogravimetry measurements with dissipation (ac-EQCM-D) at different harmonics on the films developed in Task I and characterised in Task II.
Task IV: Analysis and modelling of the electrogravimetric responses recorded, in order to break down the contributions linked to ionic transport and mechanical changes to the electrodes.
Task V: Review of the experiments and drafting of scientific publications based on the results obtained.

Compétences

- PhD in physical chemistry or materials science with skills in electrochemistry, practical experience of spectroscopic methods (i.e. electrochemical impedance) and QCM-based methods - Good experience in synthesis/characterisation of materials developed in the context of electrochemical energy storage - The ability to work as an independent researcher with a high level of scientific judgement and initiative - Excellent communication and organisational skills - Good command of spoken and written English, French language skills would be appreciated.

Contexte de travail

This post-doctoral project is part of an ANR project entitled 'Demystifying the Electrode/Electrolyte interfaces via operando Piezoelectric SENSing' (DEEP-SENS), which involves two laboratories and one company: the CSE - Laboratoire Chimie du Solide et Énergie (Collège de France, Paris), the LISE - Laboratoire Interfaces et Systèmes Electrochimiques (Sorbonne University, Paris) and the company Biologic (Grenoble). The LISE laboratory is a joint research unit of the CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) and Sorbonne University (Jussieu campus, Paris), employing 40 people. The research areas of the 'Interfaces and Electrochemical Systems' laboratory are corrosion and its inhibition, surface treatments, energy storage and conversion, to which problems linked to the behaviour of interfaces in natural environments have gradually been added.
The laboratory's main activities are : - the development of methods based on the concepts of electrochemical kinetics and the development of sophisticated instrumentation enabling them to be applied to electrode-electrolyte interfaces, - the development, modification and structural and/or chemical characterisation of electrochemical interfaces and systems and the modelling of their electrochemical behaviour. The research is structured around 2 themes: (i) Theme 1. Durability of materials - Interfaces in natural/industrial environments and (ii) Theme 2. Reactivity of functional materials - Electrochemical devices. This project is in line with the themes addressed in Theme 2 and is also correlated with advanced investigation methods in electrochemistry.

Contraintes et risques

Nothing