PhD Position Study of the electrochemical properties of graphene: application to the control of its functionalization for environmental applications

13 May 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

ICMN/CNRS/Université d'Orléans

Department

Physics

Research Field

Physics » Chemical physics
Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

15 Jun 2024 - 00:00 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

37.5

Offer Starting Date

1 Sep 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

Graphene can be produced by different methods CVD, epitaxy, mechanical, chemical or electrochemical exfoliation... However, its structure is more or less close to the ideality represented by a single sheet of pure sp2 carbon. Indeed, depending on the preparation route, graphene has a number of defects: islands, holes, dangling bonds, hetero-atoms, etc. which significantly modify its physicochemical properties. Recent studies seem to converge on the beneficial effects of the presence of defects on its electrochemical properties of graphene surface reactivity. However, a very high surface reactivity is coupled with a high sensitivity of the material to the phenomena of pollution induced by its immediate environment. This sensitivity can be a major advantage or disadvantage depending on the targeted applications. The aim of the PhD is therefore to provide answers to a fundamental scientific question: What are the correlations between the different defect types of graphene and its electrochemical surface reactivity properties?

This research will be based on the use and development of the laboratory's experimental techniques: structural analysis using RAMAN spectroscopy, and surface chemistry analysis using XPS and FTIR. The study of the kinetics and electrochemical dynamics will be carried out on the electrochemical equipment of the laboratory.  As well as on AFM and SECM near-field microscopy techniques in liquid media.

The first part of the thesis will consist in developing coupling techniques allowing the in-situ monitoring of the electrochemical response of graphene with its characterization by RAMAN spectroscopy in order to correlate the electrochemical activity of the material with the nature and presence of the defects of the material. The PhD student will be able to rely on the skills developed within the team in terms of synthesis of materials and modification of them.

The second part of the work will focus on the control of the electrochemical functionalization of graphenes. This study will require the development of characterizations of the growth of the functional layer with a monitoring of the morphology of the layer by AFM or SECM.

The study of the kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption of a metal cation in the functional layer will be carried out to evaluate the properties of the grafted layer. The objective here is to optimize the electrochemical response of the cation.

Requirements

Research Field

Physics » Chemical physics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Languages

FRENCH

Level

Good

Research Field

Physics » Chemical physicsChemistry » Physical chemistry

Internal Application form(s) needed
2024_Sujet_Diffusion_English.pdf
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Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

ICMN/CNRS/Université d'Orléans

Country

France

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

France

Website

http://www.crmd.cnrs-orleans.fr/

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED