PhD Student in Novel polymer electrolytes synthesis (M/F)

Type: Doctorant
Type de contrat: CDD
Durée: 14 months (+ 22 months + potentially 12 months extension)
Lieu de travail: Hautcharage

Contexte

 

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) in partnership with Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Université de Cergy-Pontoise, and with the support of Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), is starting a new research project titled DISAFECAP and aiming the development of next generation polymer electrolytes, termed dynamic ion gels (DIGs), for safe solid-state supercapacitors.

DISAFECAP project addresses a key unmet need for safe, high performance, flexible solid-state supercapacitors. It will be dedicated to the creation of a new family of polymer materials, namely DIGs, through the simultaneous coacervation of complementary poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) and charged silica nanoparticles with in situ generation of high performance ionic liquids, and ionic crosslinking to form robust, self-healing polymer networks. The fundamental knowledge on DIG formulation and properties will enable the design and production of new polymeric materials and devices with unprecedented levels of mechanical and electrochemical performance.

 

Description

 

We are looking for a young researcher that is expected to strongly contribute to an ambitious project through the development of a doctoral work in the design, synthesis and properties characterization of new polymer electrolytes. Such materials will be prepared by simultaneous coacervation of complementary poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) and charged silica nanoparticles. During the course of his/her doctoral project an applicant is expected to synthesize various anionic and cationic PILs with controlled molecular weight as well as negatively and positively charged silica nanoparticles. Polymer electrolytes resulted from mixing of oppositely charged species will be further characterized by a set of techniques: NMR and IR spectroscopy, viscometry, rheometry, GPC, DSC, TGA, AFM, SEM and TEM.
The selected PhD student will be enrolled in the Doctoral School in Science and Engineering (DSSE) of the University of Luxembourg and will develop the research project at LIST’s facilities.

We offer:

• A fixed term employment contract for the duration of the PhD project
• Very attractive salary package
• Outstanding work environment at LIST
• Scientific visits and cooperation work with Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and Université de Cergy-Pontoise
• Interdisciplinary and challenging research topic

This doctoral program is funded in the frame of the DISAFECAP INTER project by Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR).
The LIST is committed with equality of opportunities and gender balance.

 

Profil

 

Education

• Master degree in Polymer Chemistry or Master degree in Organic synthetic chemistry

Competencies

Mandatory skills

• Strong background and extensive hands-on experience in polymer synthetic chemistry
• Experience with standard wet- and air-sensitive chemistry techniques
• Experience in use of modern characterization techniques such as FT-IR, GPC, DSC, TGA
• Ability to analyse NMR spectra (obligatory (!))
• Knowledge of Chemdraw or similar software for drawing and analyzing of chemical structures
• The ability to work creatively and independently, including primary experience in writing research reports and in scientific literature search

Additional skills

• Demonstrated competencies in free radical and/or RAFT polymerization will be highly valued
• Previous experience in handling the nanoparticles will be appreciated
• Experience in the utilization of AFM, SEM, TEM or mechanical testing of polymer films will be considered as an asset
• Knowledge of Origin and Excell will be counted as a plus
• Finally, the selected person should show collaborative skills, initiative, result oriented, organization, and capacity to work in an interdisciplinary environment

Language

• Fluent English (spoken and written) is a must
• Knowledge of French would be an asset