Description du sujet de thèse

The hydrogen vector, which offers great possibilities for the storage of intermittent electrical renewable energies, is currently in full development. The conversion of hydrogen into electricity in polymer membrane fuel cell systems is at a high level of technological maturity, but requires very high purity hydrogen. Solid oxide ceramic systems with anionic or protonic conduction operating at high temperature, although less mature, allow the use of various fuels, and can operate in reversible mode alternating the functions of electrolyser and fuel cell. The objective of the FLEXISOC project, of which the IMN is the coordinator, is to develop a complete cell that is both robust and flexible with respect to the fuel, and operating at relatively low temperature (600°C). This project revolves around several axes, namely (i) the identification of new materials capable of activating the internal reforming reactions while presenting a good tolerance to the catalyst poisons generally encountered in these systems (CO, carbon, H2S), (ii) the architecture of the electrodes to implement the selected materials, (iii) the shaping of the electrolyte materials and (iv) the assembly of the cells with the implementation of interfaces, as well as (v) a modeling approach in order to optimize the conditions operation of the devices and thus limit fouling. As part of this thesis, it will be a question both of developing new fuel electrode materials, but also of characterizing the different cells developed in the FLEXISOC consortium.

Contexte de travail

This doctoral thesis is financed within the framework of the FLEXISOC project of the PEPR program "Decarbonized hydrogen". This project brings together 10 French research laboratories, which each bring their complementary skills to cover all the needs in synthesis, characterization and shaping of materials, but also for the optimization of cell operating conditions.
The host laboratory is the Institute of Materials of Nantes (IMN, UMR 6502, http://www.cnrs-imn.fr). The IMN is a joint research center between the CNRS and Nantes University, made up of more than 200 people, including more than 120 permanent staff (professors, CNRS researchers, engineers) and around 80 doctoral and post-doctoral students. The PhD student will benefit from interaction with many colleagues working in a number of areas of materials science through experiments using a large number of advanced characterization techniques. He (she) will be part to the 'Storage and electrochemical conversion of energy' (ST2E) group, which brings together researchers working on supercapacitors, Li-ion batteries and high temperature fuels and electrolysers cell. The student will be supervised by a CNRS researcher and a full professor, and will interact with the ten collaborators (permanent researchers, researchers on post-doctoral contract and doctoral students) constituting the thematic axis "Fuels cells and Electrolyzers'
The student will be part of the 3M doctoral school (Matter, Molecules and Materials) of Nantes University.

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 work will be performed in chemical laboratories, with the possibility of exposure to chemicals, gases and X-rays (X-ray diffraction) in the work environment. In the context of the FLEXISOC project, he/she may be required to travel to other project laboratories for short-term assignments. He (she) will participate in the activities of the ST2E team and will be called to present his/her work at national or international conferences.

Informations complémentaires

The candidate must be motivated, dynamic and hold an Master 2 degree or equivalent in materials science. Knowledge in materials synthesis, analysis (SEM, X-ray diffraction), shaping, catalysis, and electrochemistry will be welcome. A good level of English is desired.