PhD in Molecular Chemistry (M/F): Synthesis and study of bio-based near-infrared dyes for the development of solar cells

Job Description

Thesis Subject

In view of the inevitable climate change, the production of energy from sustainable and renewable resources is a major challenge of the coming decades. A significant amount of energy is received by the planet via solar radiation, which constitutes an almost infinite natural resource. This radiation can be converted into electricity using photovoltaic devices. Currently, the majority of devices based on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) or organic photovoltaics mainly capture light in the visible range, while a non-negligible proportion of solar radiations is found in the near-infrared (NIR). This program is part of the breakthrough field of colorless, transparent photovoltaic cells. Efficient photovoltaic technology in the NIR would enable the development of colorless, transparent solar panels that could be integrated into the glazing of buildings, vehicles, greenhouses and autonomous portable devices [1]. For this application, DSSCs are among the most promising devices, as they are simple to implement while offering competitive electricity production over the long term [2]. In this context, the aim is to develop NIR-selective photosensitizers synthesized from bio-based precursors.

The project, funded by the CNRS and the University of São Paulo, capitalizes our group's expertises and recent results in the fields of NIR dyes and colorless DSSCs [3,4]. More concretely, it aims to design organic dyes related to polymethines, which absorb intensely and specifically in the NIR region, for the development of transparent solar cells. The research is interdisciplinary and particularly challenging: the postdoctoral candidate will develop the synthesis and purification of innovative NIR organic dyes, unravel their photophysical and electrochemical properties, and integrate them in a new generation of transparent solar cells developed in our group.

References:
[1] C. J. Traverse, R. Pandey, M. C. Barr, R. R. Lunt, Nat. Energy, 2017, 2, 849.
[2] (a) W. Naim, V. Novelli, I. Nikolinakos, N. Barbero, I. Dzeba, F. Grifoni, Y. Ren, T. Alnasser, A. Velardo, R. Borrelli, S. Haacke, S. M. Zakeeruddin, M. Graetzel, C. Barolo, F. Sauvage, JACS Au, 2021, 1, 409; (b) F. Grifoni, M. Bonomo, W. Naim, N. Barbero, T. Alnasser, I. Dzeba, M. Giordano, A. Tsaturyan, M. Urbani, T. Torres, C. Barolo, F. Sauvage, Adv. Energy Mater., 2021, 11, 2101598.
[3] Examples of a colourless, transparent DSSC developed at CEISAM: (a) T. Baron, W. Naim, I. Nikolinakos, B. Andrin, Y. Pellegrin, D. Jacquemin, S. Haacke, F. Sauvage and F. Odobel, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2022, 61, e202207459; (b) T. Baron; W. Naim; M. Kurucz; I. Nikolinakos; B. Andrin; Y. Pellegrin; D. Jacquemin; S. Haacke; F. Sauvage; F. Odobel, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023, 11, 16767.
[4] Some of our recent works related to polymethine dyes: (a) C. Elian, B. Mourot, C. Benbouziyane, J.-P. Malval, S. Lajnef, F. Peyrot, F. Massuyeau, O. Siri, D. Jacquemin, S. Pascal, D.-L. Versace, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2023, 62, e2023059; (b) B. Mourot, V. Mazan, M. Elhabiri, R. Sarkar, D. Jacquemin, O. Siri, S. Pascal, Chem. Sci., 2024, 15, 1248 ; (c) B. Mourot, D. Jacquemin, O. Siri, S. Pascal, Chem. Rec. 2024, e202400183 ; (d) B. Mourot, C. Naim, O. Siri, D. Jacquemin, S. Pascal, Org. Chem. Front. 2025, DOI: 10.1039/D5QO00801H.


Activity
Molecular synthesis, purification and characterization
Electrochemical and photophysical studies
Solar cell design and optimization
Bibliography
Writing of reports and articles
Preparation of a PhD manuscript and defense

Competences
The candidate should hold a Master in Chemistry, and have a strong background in organic synthesis, as well as in spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization techniques. Previous experiences in the fields of chromophores or organic electronics would be highly appreciated, but are not mandatory.

Your Work Environment

The CEISAM lab federates research activities in the field of molecular chemistry in Nantes. Within the unit, the IMF team (Functional Materials Engineering) has all the equipment required for designing and characterizing molecules, as well as integrating them into solar devices. Nantes is a dynamic city with a cultural and gastronomic focus, and is a forerunner in terms of ecological transition, offering a quality of life that is unique in France.

Constraints and risks

Health and Safety constraints related to the handling of chemicals. Chemical experiments will be carried out in a fully equipped and functional laboratory.

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

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.

CNRS

The research professions