PhD OFFER

Towards high energy density positive electrode materials for

Na-ion batteries
Location: Toulouse (France) and Paris (France)
Funded by: RS2E (website)
Supervisors: Prof. Patrick Rozier (rozier@chimie.ups-tlse.fr), Prof. Jean-Marie Tarascon (jeanmarie.tarascon@college-de-france.fr)

DESCRIPTION
A PhD Studentship is available to investigate novel materials as positive electrodes for Na-ion batteries. It
involves material synthesis using solid state routes and soft chemistry ones, structure determination and
electrochemical characterizations. The works will be carried out mainly at the CIRIMAT (Toulouse) and some
experiments will be scheduled at the Collge de France (Paris).
The renewal of interest in Na-ion technology started back to 2010 and is still growing as confirmed by the
exponential increase of reported works in the literature. 6 years later, several prototypes among which the
one realized within the French network RS2E in association with the CEA demonstrate that the Na-ion
technology is a realistic alternative for Li-ion batteries. One of the main issue is to increase the energy
density which can be achieved via tuning the reversible capacity and operating voltages. The aim of the
proposed study is to focus on positive electrode material mainly layered NaxMO2 type compounds
(M=transition metal). The know-how developed for Li-ion homologues will be transferred to Na-ion systems
to optimize the selection of compositions. Different synthesis routes will be used to enhance solid solution
domains and master the microstructure. The electrochemical behavior of new materials will be evaluated
and mechanisms investigated using several techniques in the labs and in cooperation with the
characterization platforms of the RS2E network.
Requirements
The three-year studentship is tenable from September 2016 (or shortly afterwards) and candidates
should have a good degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials or related discipline. The funding
organization provides a salary.
About the labs
> CIRIMAT (Centre Interuniversitaire de Recherche et dIngenierie des Matriaux) is a cutting-edge laboratory in the field of materials development and microstructure mastering for different application fields
among which energy storage applications. It gathers around 100 permanent staff and about 100 postdocs,
PhD and master students on the Toulouse university campus.
> Collge de France is an institution dedicated to education and formation located in the center of Paris.
More specifically the chair held by J. Tarascon addresses energy research topics with strong emphasis on
the design and understanding n of battery materials and the exploration of new battery systems beyond Liion such as Na-ion, Li(Na)-air. The group counts 22 members with 4 permanent staff and 18 PhDs/postdocs.
How to apply?
> A two-page CV (with names of two references) and a covering letter should be emailed to the supervisors
> Apply before july 30th 2016
Keywords: solid state chemistry, material science, batteries, energy storage, PhD offer 2016