Postdoctoral position - Towards highly efficient and durable anion exchange membrane fuel cells with ultra-low content of precious metals (M/F)

22 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

CNRS

Department

Laboratoire d'Electrochimie et de Physicochimie des Matériaux et des Interfaces

Research Field

Chemistry
Physics

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

France

Application Deadline

13 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

35

Offer Starting Date

1 Jun 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

The post-doctoral researcher recruited at LEPMI will synthesize and characterize pure or alloyed nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NiCu, NiAg) for electrocatalyzing the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). We aim for a strong interaction between the Ni nanoparticles and their support using either a) the polyol method or b) pyrolysis approaches to simultaneously fabricate the metallic nanoparticles and the support. At the cathode, the doctoral student will use a series of catalysts based on atomically dispersed iron on doped carbons synthesized by the Charles Gerhardt Institute (ICGM), Montpellier. The structure, chemical composition, and oxidation state of these nanocatalysts will be determined using advanced characterization methods to establish structure-chemistry-electrocatalytic activity-stability relationships.

Main mission: Ensure daily monitoring of the DEEP project involving LEPMI, ICGM, and Eras Labo. Secondary task: Synthesis and characterization of nanocatalysts. Third task: Characterization using advanced physical, chemical, and electrochemical experimental methods (gas diffusion electrode, electrochemistry combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry).

The post-doctoral position will be carried out within the framework of the DEEP project funded by the National Research Agency (ANR) and involving LEPMI, ICGM, and Eras Labo. LEPMI (https://lepmi.grenoble-inp.fr/ ) is a joint research unit of CNRS - Grenoble INP - UGA - Université Savoie Mont-Blanc which comprises around a hundred researchers. Its research themes concern the electrochemical storage and conversion of energy, combining materials science and electrochemical engineering. The "Electrochemical Interfaces and Processes (EIP)" team at LEPMI is internationally recognized for its achievements in electrocatalysis and in determining the degradation mechanisms of fuel cell catalysts. The post-doctoral research will be carried out under the supervision of Dr. Laetitia Dubau and Dr. Frédéric Maillard.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Languages

FRENCH

Level

Basic

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information
Eligibility criteria

Skills in physical chemistry, electrochemistry, or materials science,
Knowledge in ionomers/anion exchange membrane polymers,
Ability to synthesize/write reports and publications,
Ability to work in a team,
Autonomy,
Good knowledge of French and English required.

Additional comments

As part of the DEEP project, we aim to develop a new generation of alkaline fuel cell catalysts using elements abundant in the earth's crust or containing an ultra-low amount of platinum group metals (≤ 50 µg-cm-2), evaluate their electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) or oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and identify and mitigate their degradation mechanisms. At the anode, pure or alloyed (Cu, Ag) Ni nanoparticles will be used, and we will seek to avoid excessive surface oxidation. To further enhance the positive effect brought by the alloy, we will support the Ni-based nanoparticles on carbon-doped supports or metal oxides. At the cathode, we will develop composite catalysts combining atoms of simple metals (Fe, Co) or 2-3 nm nanoparticles. Once finely characterized, the anodic and cathodic catalysts will be integrated into electrodes with suitable porosity and ionic and electronic conductivity, and then characterized using techniques based on electrons, X-rays, and gamma rays, if possible in combination with electrochemistry.

Website for additional job details

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR5279-FREMAI-012/Default.aspx

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Laboratoire d'Electrochimie et de Physicochimie des Matériaux et des Interfaces

Country

France

City

ST MARTIN D HERES

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Candidat/Offre/UMR5279-FREMAI-012/Candidater.aspx

Contact

City

ST MARTIN D HERES

Website

http://lepmi.grenoble-inp.fr

STATUS: EXPIRED