PhD position Chemistry and Materials for Magnesium (Institut Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier Public Research Institution)

In the quest for better energy management, "post-lithium" systems are emerging and research on magnesium batteries have seen renewed interest in recent years. Nevertheless, the lack of positive electrode materials is still a hindrance to the development of such systems. The use of conversion electrode materials such as sulfur is an alternative solution and the combination of a magnesium anode and a sulfur cathode meets the criteria of sustainability. However, the particular chemical properties of these elements, and in particular the passivation of magnesium, induce complex electrolyte design and sometimes corrosive formulations unsuitable for a possible industrial transfer. At “Institut Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier” (France), the strategy we are investigating now is to replacing magnesium with alloy-type anodes to allow the use of more conventional and safe electrolytes. Preliminary proof-of-concept has been validated recently, and the ANR project MISTRALE (2019-2022) will be devoted to fully explore the concept in order to understand the electrochemical mechanisms and to reach high cycling performance. The missions include the formulation of negative (alloy) and positive (sulfur / carbon composite) electrodes, the preparation and characterization of electrolyte liquids, the evaluation of electrochemical behavior, as well as the study of electrochemical behaviors at both the bulk electrode materials and the electrode-electrolyte interfaces. We are seeking for excellent, highly-motivated and hard-working candidates, with expertise and skills in material design for electrochemical devices, inorganic and organic chemistry, analytical chemistry. Experiences in lithium-ion batteries, metal/sulfur batteries, electrolyte design and characterization and electrochemistry will be greatly appreciated. For non-French speaking candidates, a very good level of English is mandatory. To apply, please go through the recruitment portal of the CNRS at the following address by attaching if possible cover letter, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation. https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UMR5253-ROMBER-002/Default.aspx?lang=EN Offer Requirements REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL Chemistry: Master Degree or equivalent REQUIRED LANGUAGES ENGLISH: Excellent Skills/Qualifications We are seeking for excellent, highly-motivated and hard-working candidates, with expertise and skills in material design for electrochemical devices, inorganic and organic chemistry, analytical chemistry. Experiences in lithium-ion batteries, metal/sulfur batteries, electrolyte design and characterization and electrochemistry will be greatly appreciated. For non-French speaking candidates, a very good level of English is mandatory. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

In the quest for better energy management, "post-lithium" systems are emerging and research on magnesium batteries have seen renewed interest in recent years. Nevertheless, the lack of positive electrode materials is still a hindrance to the development of such systems. The use of conversion electrode materials such as sulfur is an alternative solution and the combination of a magnesium anode and a sulfur cathode meets the criteria of sustainability. However, the particular chemical properties of these elements, and in particular the passivation of magnesium, induce complex electrolyte design and sometimes corrosive formulations unsuitable for a possible industrial transfer.

At “Institut Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier” (France), the strategy we are investigating now is to replacing magnesium with alloy-type anodes to allow the use of more conventional and safe electrolytes. Preliminary proof-of-concept has been validated recently, and the ANR project MISTRALE (2019-2022) will be devoted to fully explore the concept in order to understand the electrochemical mechanisms and to reach high cycling performance.

The missions include the formulation of negative (alloy) and positive (sulfur / carbon composite) electrodes, the preparation and characterization of electrolyte liquids, the evaluation of electrochemical behavior, as well as the study of electrochemical behaviors at both the bulk electrode materials and the electrode-electrolyte interfaces.

We are seeking for excellent, highly-motivated and hard-working candidates, with expertise and skills in material design for electrochemical devices, inorganic and organic chemistry, analytical chemistry. Experiences in lithium-ion batteries, metal/sulfur batteries, electrolyte design and characterization and electrochemistry will be greatly appreciated. For non-French speaking candidates, a very good level of English is mandatory.

To apply, please go through the recruitment portal of the CNRS at the following address by attaching if possible cover letter, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation.

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/Doctorant/UMR5253-ROMBER-002/Default.aspx?lang=EN