Description of the thesis topic

All-solid-state batteries are regularly the subject of media announcements from electric vehicle manufacturers. Significant progress has been achieved regarding inorganic ionic conductors. Nevertheless, the complexity of interfaces requires us to moderate expectations. This PhD project focuses on the deposition of an intermediate layer (mainly an acidic oxide) using different approaches (sol-gel, atomic layer deposition (ALD), or sputtering) in order to analyze and characterize the chemo-mechanical expansion of layered Li1-xMO2 electrodes at the positive electrode. On the negative electrode side, contact with the electrolyte also creates interfacial challenges, particularly related to dendrite formation, whose growth will be monitored through in situ optical measurements. This growth originates from a non-uniform distribution of currents at the lithium surface, itself caused by insufficient wettability of ionic conductors. To overcome these limitations, we will explore the deposition of thin layers of Al2O3, Li3PO4, or even silicon, with the goal of improving surface wettability. This project, which combines material deposition with advanced interface characterization, benefits from the complementarity between IEMN (Lille), specialized in deposition techniques, and the Collège de France (Paris), expert in electrochemical analyses and cell assembly.

Work Context

The CSE laboratory has expertise in the field of batteries, with major achievements including the discovery of new lithium reactivity mechanisms, mastery of interfaces, cell assembly, and the exploration of alternative chemistries beyond Li-ion, such as Na-ion and all-solid-state batteries.
This position is part of the 6-year LIMASSE project (LI MetAl Solid State battEries, reference 22 PEBA 0004), which brings together university teams from CNRS and CEA under the PEPR “France 2030” battery program. The position falls within a sector subject to the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) and therefore, in accordance with regulations, your appointment must be authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.

Candidate profile
Engineering degree or Master's in physics or chemistry. The candidate must demonstrate strong experimental skills and be able to adapt to problems from different fields. Proficiency in English is required.

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.