PhD: Study of Oxidation–Reduction Reactions at the Flat Glass Interface (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The work of this PhD thesis, carried out within the framework of the ANR project “Glass Recycling Income with Sb Impurities” (GRISBI), addresses the issue of recycling photovoltaic (PV) panel glasses containing antimony (Sb). These glasses, which represent about 90% of PV glass to be recycled, are currently not compatible with recycling in the French flat glass industry due precisely to the presence of antimony in the glass composition.
Flat glass manufacturing is mainly based on the so-called float process, which consists of pouring molten glass onto a bath of liquid tin under a controlled atmosphere. This process involves complex oxidation–reduction interactions between the tin bath and the molten glass, depending on numerous parameters. A better understanding of these phenomena would help improve glass quality, optimize process efficiency, and reduce energy consumption.
To contribute to a better understanding of these complex phenomena at the interface between soda-lime glass and a metallic tin bath, and to highlight the key parameters governing these interactions, the thesis work will focus on (i) studying the redox state of multivalent elements, particularly Sb, as a function of synthesis conditions and concentration, and (ii) assessing the impact of the tin (Sn) bath on the physicochemical properties of the glass at the glass/metal interface.
To this end, experiments involving diffusion couples will be carried out at different scales. After processing, the samples will be analyzed along diffusion profiles in order to determine their chemical composition, redox state, and microstructure. This characterization will rely on various techniques, including spectroscopies (UV–Visible, Raman, XANES, and EXAFS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and electron microscopy.

Your Work Environment

This ANR-funded PhD thesis, with a duration of three years (expected start in September 2026), will be carried out between the IMPMC located at Sorbonne University, 4 place Jussieu, 75005 Paris
(https://impmc.sorbonne-universite.fr/fr/equipes/proprietes_des_amorphes_liquides_et_mineraux_palm.html),
and the joint CNRS/Saint-Gobain laboratory SVI, located at Saint-Gobain Research Paris, 39 quai Lucien Lefranc, 90303 Aubervilliers
(http://svi.cnrs.fr/).
The use of the state-of-the-art equipment at the Saint-Gobain Research Paris center will also provide opportunities for interaction with industrial research departments in the fields of glass and thin films. As a joint Saint-Gobain/CNRS unit, SVI offers a rich environment that will give the student insight into both the academic and industrial worlds.
Desired profile:
An engineering degree or Master's level (MSc) qualification in physics, chemistry, and/or materials science, with strong foundations in thermodynamics and a strong interest in experimental work. Knowledge in the field of glass or in spectroscopic techniques would be an asset.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

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

The research professions