Description du sujet de thèse

The sun's photons provide the largest source of energy on Earth and harnessing them could help solve the energy crisis without harming the environment. In 2023, Bousquet et al., the coordinator's group of this project, demonstrated a method for producing organic donor-acceptor nanoparticles and obtained solar cells with an efficiency of 10% elaborated from these novel water-based inks. However, the main weakness of Photovoltaics (PV) is the intermittency of energy production. Hydrogen (H2) production via photocatalytic water splitting has emerged as a fantastic solution for storing solar energy in a distributable fuel that does not produce CO2, neither during production nor consumption. A life cycle analysis of different technologies for H2 production has previously shown that a colloidal system, where the photocatalysts are dispersed as nanoparticles in water, would be the cheapest technology. In this PhD project, which is a part of a wider project financed by ANR, we will transfer the knowledge acquired in aqueous based PV to photocatalysis. We will combine organic PV state-of-the art materials and molecular sustainable co-catalyst to synthesize novel nanoparticles dispersed in water. We will use space and time-resolved techniques to characterize the internal morphology and optoelectronic properties of these nano-photoreactors. As a final step, the photocatalytic behaviour of these nanoparticles towards H2 production will be deeply investigated.
The candidate must have a master's or engineering degree in organic and/or polymer chemistry. Experience in Photocatalysis or Dispersed Media would be a plus. He/she must have a strong interest in multidisciplinary experimental work, ranging from polymer chemistry to physico-chemistry to the use of materials in photocatalysis, including the use of numerous characterization techniques (spectroscopic, microscopic, electrical, etc.). A high level of oral and written English is required. Experience in life cycle analysis would be a plus.
Your application must include:
• Cover letter
• Detailed CV
• Copy of diplomas obtained
• Bachelor and Master's Report cards

And optionally:
• Letters of recommendation

Contexte de travail

IPREM (Institute of analytical sciences and physico-chemistry for the environment and materials) is a CNRS / University of Pau Joint Research Unit (UMR 5254), located in Pau, France. It brings together more than 300 people who are interested in the development of fundamental knowledge in physico-chemistry, analytical chemistry and microbiology, in relation to applications concerning the structure of living things, environmental and energy management and the functional properties of different classes of materials. Its skills are based around analytical strategies, modeling, physicochemical approaches, fine studies of structures and reactivity, development, characterization and implementation at different scales. They allow us to display an original position in the field of applications in numerous industrial sectors both nationally and internationally.
This thesis will be carried out as part of the ANR PIN'S project: "Nanoparticles of pi-conjugated polymers for photocatalysis".

Contraintes et risques

Two one-month trips to project partner's facilities will be made during the thesis.