Topic 01-16 : Synthesis of silicon-based alloys for negative electrodes of Li-ion batterie

The proposed PhD work will consist, in a first step, in carrying out Silicon-germanium optimized compositions prepared by laser pyrolysis and mechanosynthesis. Thus the understanding of (de)lithiation mechanisms will be determined by using operando technics (XRD, Raman, NMR). In a second step, the substitution of elements will be investigated and evaluated. Morphological and microstructural optimization will be achieved according to the electrochemical performance obtained. In addition to electrochemical characterizations, scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses as well as surface techniques will allow the deep characterization of the synthesized alloys and their evolution in cycling. Furthermore, a specific attention will be paid to the electrode/electrolyte interface evolution (IR-ATR operando, XPS) during the cycling as function of composition of the alloys. Strong interaction with different research teams (CEA/DRT/LITEN - CEA:DRF/IRAMIS - CNRS/ICGM) will be one of the important assets for the success of this work.