(M/F) Current collector architecture for "anode less" batteries
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 mounth
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Laboratoire d'Electrochimie et de Physicochimie des Matériaux et des Interfaces
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
38402 ST MARTIN D HERES
Contract Duration
36 mounth
Date of Hire
01/10/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 07 May 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
Although lithium-ion batteries are a major and widely used technology for electrochemical energy storage, their energy density is limited by the materials that host lithium. To overcome this limitation, the use of metallic lithium as the negative electrode is necessary. However, this approach remains unstable due to issues related to the formation of lithium dendrites.
A promising advancement in terms of weight and storage capacity is the “anode-free” lithium-metal battery, where the metallic lithium negative electrode forms in situ during charging, from lithium ions stored in the positive electrode.
However, these cells generally have a much shorter lifespan compared to conventional Li-ion batteries. Several issues can explain this short cycling life:
To extend the lifespan and stored energy in these batteries, fundamental scientific investigations are necessary at multiple levels (from bulk to surface) to understand the origins of degradation processes. This includes:
• understanding the mechanisms of electrolyte degradation, particularly the formation of interphases such as the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI, which forms at the negative electrode during the reduction of the electrolyte) and the cathode-electrolyte interphase (CEI, which forms at the positive electrode during the oxidation of the electrolyte),
• the impact of “crosstalk” (the migration of organic and inorganic species from the positive electrode and their contamination of the negative electrode),
• the role of the current collector architecture, particularly its lithiophilic aspect (adhesion of lithium),
• the microstructure of lithium once deposited.
Although significant advances have been made to improve capacity retention and lifespan, the impact of “crosstalk” and the microstructure of the current collector on deposited lithium is not yet well understood, but constitutes a crucial step for improving their electrochemical performance. This is the context of this thesis.
Your Work Environment
The work will be carried out at the LEPMI laboratory (Laboratory of Electrochemistry and Physicochemistry of Materials and Interfaces) located on the Saint Martin d'Hères university campus. The student will be part of the MIEL group (Materials, Interfaces, and Electrochemistry), which conducts broad activities focused on the development and understanding of new battery technologies. the project is in collaboration with Imperial College in particular with Prof. Ifan Stephens.
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
| Offer reference | UMR5279-CLAVIL-004 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Materials, nanomaterials and processes chemistry |
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.
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