Description du sujet de thèse

The research on electrochemical storage of energy is today in a stage of fast and profound evolution; because of both the strong development of portable electronics requesting power energy and in the in inevitable development of greener transport modes (hybrid and full electric vehicles, better energy management in air and railroad transport). All these markets require higher performances systems of storage in terms of energy density (weight and volume), of power, life cycle, safety and cost. A new generation of batteries called “all solid-state batteries” is the best candidate to answer the needs of these diversified applications. It is precisely in this context that the subject of the PhD thesis is proposed, that consists of design, prepare and characterize polymer electrolytes with a high level of performance for all solid-state batteries.
The thesis subject is part of the “ELIAS” project funded by Bpifrance. This project, bringing together 3 industrial partners (SAFT, PolymerExpert, Ingecal) and 3 academic research laboratories (Liten-CEA, ICMMO-UP Saclay, ICR-AMU Marseille), aims to produce at the end of the project an all-solid-state battery prototype with energy density > 400 Wh/kg (for example, energy density of lithium-ion battery is 80 Wh/kg).
The work program of PhD student will be devoted to the development of high potential polymer electrolytes. The first part of the thesis will consist in the preparation of ion-conducting polymer electrolytes with controlled architectures and compositions. In the second part, a deep physico-chemical characterization of polymer electrolyte materials will be carried out to establish the structure-property relationship.
Student profile is the chemistry and physical chemistry of soft matter. A strong background in organic chemistry, polymer synthesis and characterization (thermomechanical, physicochemical…) is highly desired. Skills in electrochemistry are not required but would be a plus. In addition, the person chosen must be motivated and dynamic, autonomous in the laboratory and able to present the results of the research works at technical meetings with different partners of the consortium.

Contexte de travail

The activities of PhD student will be carried at Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (ICR) in the team "Chimie Radicalaire Organique et Polymères de Spécialité" (CROPS). The thesis contract will be carried out under the joint supervision of Dr Trang PHAN et Dr Didier GIGMES.
The CROPS team's research activities aim to develop synthesis methodologies mainly based on controlled radical polymerization (PRC) by nitroxides, to obtain complex macromolecular architectures. Working at the interface between radical chemistry and polymers, the research carried out at CROPS concern more particularly the synthesis and characterization of polymer materials with specific properties and finding applications in various fields such as environment, health and energy.

Contraintes et risques

Professional risks related to a chemical research laboratory