Description of the thesis topic

Missions:
Reducing the use of fossil fuels to prevent the climate change escalate has become one of society's most pressing concerns. To address this environmental issue as well as the depletion of conventional fossil fuels, there is a critical need to develop new energy storage technologies, particularly those that promote more sustainable mobility. One promising approach to reduce carbon emissions in the mobility sector is the research and development of novel rechargeable lithium batteries that offer enhanced efficiency and safety. Recently, attention has moved towards solid-state lithium batteries, which provide several advantages over current liquid-electrolyte Li-ion batteries. These advances include enhanced safety, improved electrochemical stability, higher energy density, and longer service life. As a crucial component of Li-metal batteries, solid electrolytes are still under extensive research to resolve the ongoing trade-off between good mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity. In this context, the ANR project aims to design nanoporous solid electrolytes derived from the self-assembly of block copolymer (BCP) chains. This approach will enable the creation of a rigid polymer film, capable of overcoming issues related to dendrite formation, in which nanochannels, having physical continuity throughout the material, are formed. To achieve a polymer electrolyte, the voided nanochannels will be subsequently infused with an electrolyte solution (based on polymers or small molecules) selected to optimize the ion transport.
Activities
- Fabrication of nanoporous films derived from the self-assembly of block copolymers synthesized in partnership with the Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR, Marseille, France).
- Characterization of nanostructures formed within the BCP films by AFM, SEM and GISAXS.
- Ionic conductivity measurements of BCP films infiltrated with a selected electrolyte solution.
Skills
- Scientific topic: physical chemistry of polymer materials.
- Experience in the manufacture/use of polymer electrolytes will be appreciated.
- The candidate must be self-motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team. The project will involve collaborations with other research laboratories.

Work Context

The position, funded by the ANR, and will be based at the Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM), Interfaces, Physico-chimie et Polymères (IP2) team (https://iem.umontpellier.fr/ip2-fr/), affiliated to the University of Montpellier and CNRS, in collaboration with ICR, the Laboratoire d'Électrochimie et de Physico-Chimie des Matériaux et Interfaces (LEPMI, Grenoble, France) and the Laboratoire Léon Brillouin (LLB, Grenoble, France).

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