Description du sujet de thèse

The development of renewable energies is making stationary energy storage a necessity. Although widely developed for small equipment and mobility, Li-Ion or Na-ion batteries are not necessarily the most suitable for this type of application, for reasons of cost and recyclability. One of the most promising avenues is the development of redox-flow batteries, in which energy storage takes place within electrolytes that are stored outside the electrochemical cell. This makes it possible to decorrelate the power and capacity of the electrochemical system. Classically, electroactive species are dissolved in either aqueous or non-aqueous media, the most widely developed being all-vanadium redox-flow systems. Recently, a revival of these systems has been enabled by the use of electroactive organic molecules in aqueous electrolytes. The membrane separating the anolyte from catholyte is a key component and impact strongly the system performances. The most used membranes are based on perfluorosulfonated polymers (PFSA)de type Nafion. Although many advances have been made in development of different active molecules, systems the development of new membranes, with improved performances remain scarce.
The aim of the proposed thesis is to develop new, less expensive and environmentally-friendly membranes based on carbohydrogenated backbone polymers, in order to develop high-performance, long-lasting organic redox flow batteries. This thesis will take place within the framework of a PEPR Grant involving 4 partners (Institut de Science Chimique de Rennes (ISCR), CEA Grenoble, Laboratoire de Réactivité et Chimie des Solides (LRCS) and LEPMI) and aims to synthesize amphoteric polymers and form them into membranes. These membranes will be characterized ex-situ, in-situ and in-system at LEPMI and in collaboration with project partners.

Contexte de travail

The work will be carried out at the LEPMI in collaboration with the partners from the grant PEPR Discovery. The PhD Student will be hired by CNRS.
The PhD student recruited should have skills in polymer synthesis and membrane characterisation. Notions or skills in electrochemistry would be appreciated.

Le poste se situe dans un secteur relevant de la protection du potentiel scientifique et technique (PPST), et nécessite donc, conformément à la réglementation, que votre arrivée soit autorisée par l'autorité compétente du MESR.

Contraintes et risques

The position is located in a sector covered by the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with regulations, that your arrival be authorized by the competent MESR authority

Informations complémentaires

The candidate should provide - a detailed CV - a motivation letter emphasizing the fit between the candidate's background and the proposed position