(M/F) Thesis proposal: Exploration of new sulphide materials with thermoelectric properties

Job Description

Thesis Subject

The aim of this thesis will be to identify new thermoelectric sulphide materials. The project is part of the PEPR-DIADEM GREENTEA project 'High-speed generation through machine learning of new thermoelectric sulphide alloys composed of abundant elements'. The generation of electricity from waste heat sources using thermoelectric devices is emerging as a promising alternative energy source for the future. The study of thermoelectric materials has been growing rapidly over the past decade in the international scientific community, with the aim of designing new materials with high performance. The challenge is to synthesise a material in which the electrical and thermal properties are decoupled. In short, how can we develop an electrical conductor that conducts very little heat?
The GREENTEA project is part of an eco-design approach. It is based on a multidisciplinary approach that aims to identify new stable (or slightly metastable) semiconductor compounds within multi-component systems, while integrating eco-design principles to minimise environmental impact from the design stage onwards. To achieve this, it combines high-throughput DFT screening (DFT calculations combined with machine learning techniques) of several million configurations with high-throughput synthesis to accelerate the experimental screening stages. The targeted materials will be synthesised using solution and/or solid-state processes, drawing on the PEPR DIADEM synthesis and characterisation platforms, while optimising the processes to reduce the ecological footprint. The use of AI at each stage of the project will enable the most promising phases for the targeted applications to be identified and selected. This project also aims to validate a methodological and conceptual approach that can be applied to other families of materials and/or other applications in order to accelerate their discovery.
The aim of the thesis project will be to synthesise different families of compounds with structural characteristics likely to generate high thermoelectric performance.
In addition to the synthesis and physicochemical characterisation of powders and densified ceramics (density, particle size, X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM microscopy, thermal analyses, etc.), the PhD student will seek to understand the physical properties of these materials, in particular the influence of synthesis processes on electrical and thermal transport properties. This thesis topic therefore combines the work of a solid-state chemist (synthesis and structural analysis) with that of a ceramist (powder metallurgy, sintering) and a physicist (study of electrical and thermal properties).

Your Work Environment

Candidates must hold a Master's degree or equivalent qualification (e.g. an engineering degree) with training in solid state chemistry and/or materials science. Experience in inorganic materials synthesis, crystallography and/or materials physics is desirable. The project involves collaboration with experts in synthesis, crystallography, condensed matter physics and theoretical calculations. The successful candidate must therefore have good teamwork skills and be motivated to acquire new skills. Candidates must be fluent in English and/or French with scientific writing skills.

The doctoral contract will take place at the CRISMAT laboratory (https://crismat.cnrs.fr), a joint unit of the CNRS, ENSICAEN and the University of Caen Normandy, which brings together around a hundred researchers, lecturers, engineers, doctoral students and technical staff. The thesis will be co-supervised by Emmanuel Guilmeau (CNRS Research Director) and Tristan Barbier (Associate Professor).

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

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