Fellow Researcher (M/F) Drying of ionomer dispersions Aquivion® for the manufacturing of Proton Exchange Membranes

9 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

CNRS

Department

Laboratoire du Futur

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry
Physics » Chemical physics
Physics » Biophysics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

29 Jan 2024 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

1 Mar 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Polymeric Proton Exchange Membranes (PEM) used in PEM Fuel Cells (PEFMCs) as well as electrolyzers are often made on a laboratory scale by casting specific liquid formulations containing ionomers onto substrates, followed by further solvent evaporation and annealing steps. Within the framework of a collaborative project with the company Syensqo, we wish to study in more details the drying step and its impact on the final properties of the PEM membrane: chemical homogeneity, mechanical properties, and performance in PEMFCs. We will focus on the case of dispersions of short side chain ionomers produced by Syensqo (Aquivion ®) dispersed in blends of solvents (water, alcohols, DMSO).

We propose in a first step to perform macroscopic drying measurements of different liquid formulations deposited on a substrate using controlled coating tools (e.g., Doctor Blade) in order to screen the role of the process parameters (temperature, drying times) and formulation composition (rheology, concentration). In a second step, we plan to use analytical techniques such as Raman confocal spectroscopy and optical and/or fluorescence microcopy to probe, at a local scale, the evaporation of the solvents from the liquid dispersion up to the formation of the PEM membrane. The properties (permeability, conductivity) and structure (evaluated by SAXS) of the fabricated membranes will be characterized to possibly unveil any impact of the drying step on the membrane performance.

The LOF "laboratory of the future" is a research unit affiliated to the CNRS, the University of Bordeaux and Syensqo (a chemical industry company dedicated to the development of advanced materials and speciality chemicals). LOF's vocation is to increase the productivity of R&D projects through the implementation of high-throughput methodologies such as microfluidics and robotics. Located in Pessac, the laboratory is part of a Syensqo research and innovation center and brings together a team of around twenty researchers from both academic and industrial backgrounds.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Languages

FRENCH

Level

Basic

Research Field

Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Physics » Chemical physics

Years of Research Experience

None

Research Field

Physics » Biophysics

Years of Research Experience

None

Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

We are looking for a candidate with a solid background in physical chemistry, a proven taste for physical instrumentation, and possibly experience of membrane electrolysers and spectroscopic measurements.

Website for additional job details

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR5258-JEAGIM-025/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Laboratoire du Futur

Country

France

City

PESSAC

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Candidat/Offre/UMR5258-JEAGIM-025/Candidater.aspx

Contact

City

PESSAC

Website

http://www.lof.cnrs.fr/

STATUS: EXPIRED