Topic 01-07 : Development of new sulfate-containing cathode materials based on abundant elements for Na-ion batteries

The objective of the PhD project is to develop new polyanionic iron and/or manganese phases based on sulphates for Na-ion batteries. The study, in collaboration between CNRS-ICMCB in Bordeaux, CNRS-LRCS in Amiens and CEA-LITEN in Grenoble, will be based on the synthesis of materials using synthesis techniques already known in the CEA and CNRS laboratories and their characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (EMT and SEM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), etc.

A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the insertion/desinsertion of sodium will make it possible to optimize the synthesis of the material and to identify the most interesting chemical compositions to offer an optimized capacity as well as an optimized lifetime. Screening of new compositions will be conducted, in particular via ion-exchange reactions from Li- or K-containing compounds. Particular care will be taken in finding strategies to coat the material with protective layers against sensitivity to air moisture. For the succesfully identified compositions, possible upscale of the synthesis will be evaluated, thanks to the facilities already in place in Grenoble and Amiens.

The student will be based in Grenoble most of the time, but 3-6 months periods of stay in Bordeaux and Amiens for specific use of characterization techniques will be possible.

Contact

PhD Supervisor : Laurence Croguennec (Laurence.Croguennec@icmcb.cnrs.fr)