Description of the thesis topic

Correlations between processing, structure and thermoelectric properties in oriented polymer semi-conductor thin films

Work Context

The Charles Sadron Institute (ICS, UPR22) is a CNRS unit associated with the University of Strasbourg. This multidisciplinary institute dedicated to the science of polymers and self-assembled systems includes 53 researchers and lecturers, 38 engineers, technicians or administrative staff and 100 non-permanent staff (doctoral students, postdocs, associate researchers and interns). The ICS has characterization platforms (UV-Vis and IR spectroscopies, size exclusion chromatography, light scattering, etc.) and microscopy (electronic and atomic force). The ICS is located on the CNRS campus in Cronenbourg, catering is available on site. The research work will be carried out within the framework of the European FADOS project.The ITN position is at the Institute Charles SAdron (Strasbourg, France).
The doctoral student will be integrated into the SYCOMMOR team and supervised by Mr. Brinkmann at the Charles Sadron Institute. The team works on themes related to the process-structure-property correlations of pi-conjugated materials for applications in organic electronics. The SYCOMMOR team has particular expertise in structural studies of thin-film materials using transmission electron microscopy. The team is also developing original methods for polymer orientation using high-temperature mechanical brushing.
The position is located in a sector covered by the Protection of Scientific and Technical Potential (PPST) and therefore requires, in accordance with regulations, that your arrival be authorized by the competent MESR authority.
The successful candidate will be part of the doctoral school of physics and chemical physics (ED182) of the Strasbourg University
The successfull candidate will be part of the european project FADOS focusing on a holistic approach of doping in organic electronics.
The European Marie Sklodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network FADOS brings together 11 academic institutions, including universities and research centers, and 3 companies, from 6 EU countries. The mission of the FADOS network is to use the large expertise on all aspects of doping of organic semiconductors that is available in the EU for (a) the strategic training of excellent young researchers in an emerging, interdisciplinary field and (b) the rational development of prototype devices involving doping strategies, inspired by actual market demand.
The successfull candidate will study doping of polymer semi-conductors in thin films aligned by rubbing and he/she will establish correlations between processing, structure and thermoelectric properties.

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.

Constraints and risks

The successfull candidate shouldl have :
- general knowledge in polymer science (physical chemistry)
- general knowledge on electronic properties of materials (conductivity, thermoelectric properties)
- mastering of characterization methods of transport and thermoelectric properties in thin films
- mastering of structural methods of analysis (TEM, SEM or AFM) and spectroscopy (UV-vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy)
- be able to conduct a bibliographical survey