Description du sujet de thèse

CERAGEL aims to investigate the relationship between process parameters, structure, microstructure, and properties of 3D-printed functional microceramics. These microceramics are prepared using two-photon (2P) lithography processes. The photoactive resins are based on dispersions of crystalline nanoparticles in the presence of polymerizable metal-organic molecular monomers that act as cross-linkers and photoinitiators for radical polymerization.
The critical challenges addressed by CERAGEL are threefold: (i) gaining a fundamental understanding of the printing process at the nano and molecular levels, (ii) mastering the structure/properties relationship of microceramics at the nanoscale, and (iii) developing in situ characterization setups that couple rheometry with structural measurements, either through direct observation under a microscope during the printing process or by using USAXS to monitor the sol-gel transition. CERAGEL brings together a complementary consortium to investigate relationships between the parameters governing the process and those dictating the properties of the 3D-printed ceramic microstructures.
The PhD candidate will join the "Functional Materials and Photonics" team of the chemistry laboratory at ENS Lyon and will have the following objectives: synthesizing and functionalizing ceramic-based nanoparticles of various sizes and shapes, preparing ink formulations, and fully addressing their behavior during the 3D printing process. Additionally, the candidate will contribute to the characterization of the gel transitions, final structures, and mechanical and optical properties at the microscale level. The PhD student will work in close collaboration with the partners of the CERAGEL project.
Candidates should possess a background in (nano)material chemistry, with a Master's degree or equivalent, and have in-depth knowledge of structural and physicochemical characterizations. They must be capable of working in a team and actively leading collaborations with partners. Proficiency in English is required.

Contexte de travail

The chemistry laboratory of the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (https://www.ens-lyon.fr/CHIMIE ) is the coordinator of the ANR 2024 project "Micron-scale ceramic objects by multiphoton stereolithography of ceramic nanoseed assemblies in gels" (CERAGEL), as part of a consortium with the "Laboratoire de Physique de l'ENS de Lyon" and "MATEIS" (INSA Lyon).