Strudy and processing of C/SiC composites
For different applications, we are looking for materials having superior mechanical properties at high temperature (1000 ° C or higher) and that are resistant to oxidation. The family of ceramic matrix composite materials (CMC), especially C / SiC, seems the most relevant to our needs. However, it is necessary to conduct studies to determine the most efficient solutions among the wide variety of fibrous architectures and possible matrix microstructures, while taking into account the constraints related to available processes and targeted geometries. This work will be conducted in collaboration with other CEA laboratories.
Nano-silicon/graphene composites for high energy density lithium-ion batteries
This postdoctoral fellowship is part of the Graphene Flagship Core 2 H2020 european project (2018-2020) on the energy storage applications of graphene. In lithium-ion batteries, graphene associated to nanostructured silicon in a proper composite helps increase the energy capacity. Indeed graphene wraps silicon, reducing its reactivity with electrolyte and the formation of the SEI passivation layer. It also maintains a high electrical conductivity within the electrode.
The study will compare two technologies: graphene-silicon nanoparticles and graphene-silicon nanowires. The former composite, already explored in the above mentioned project, will be optimized in the present study. The latter is a new kind of composite, using a large scale silicon nanowire synthesis process recently patented in the lab. The postdoc will work within two laboratories: a technological research lab (LITEN) with expertise in batteries for transportation, and a fundamental research lab (INAC) with expertise in nanomaterial synthesis.
The postdoc will synthesize silicon nanowires for his/her composites at INAC. Following LITEN know-how, she/he will be in charge of composite formulation, battery fabrication and electrochemical cycling. He/she will systematically compare the electrochemical behavior of the nanoparticle and nanowire based silicon-graphene composites. Comparison will extend to the mechanism of capacity fading and SEI formation, thanks to the characterization means available at CEA Grenoble and in the European consortium: X-ray diffraction, electronic microscopy, XPS, FTIR, NMR spectroscopies. She/he will report her/his work within the international consortium (Cambride UK, Genova Italy, Graz Austria) meetings.
A 2-year post-doctoral position is open.
PhD in materials science is requested. Experience in nanocharacterization, nanochemistry and/or electrochemistry is welcome.
Applications are expected before May 31st, 2018.
Physisorption of chemical species on sensitive surfaces during transfer in controlled mini-environment in microelectronics industry
A characterization platform based on the connection concept between process and characterization tools through the use of a transfer box under vacuum was implemented allowing a quasi in-situ characterization of substrates (wafers) of the microelectronics. Currently, this transfer concept based simply on static vacuum inside a carrier box is satisfactory regarding the residual O or C on the surface of especially sensitive materials (Ge, Ta, Sb, Ti…) and the MOCVD layers growth on GST or III/V surfaces. Its optimization for more stringent applications (molecular bonding, epitaxy…) in terms of contamination surface prevention requires studies the understanding of the physico-chemical evolution of the surfaces.
The proposed work will be focused on physico chemical studies of the evolution and molecular contamination of surfaces during transfers and will take place in clean room. XPS, TD-GCMS and MS coupled to the carrier itself (to be implemented) will be used to address the sources (wall, seals, gaseous environment…) of the adsorbed chemical species implied and to determine the physisorption mechanisms on the substrates. The studied surfaces will be sensitive to the contaminants in such a way than the box environment impact will be extracted and studied parameters will be the nature of polymer seal used, the carrier box thermal conditioning, the vacuum level, the use of low pressure gaseous environment in the carrier (gas nature, pressure level…).
Synthesis of inorganic monoliths functionalized with nanoparticles
Since 2008, the "Institut de Chimie Separative de Marcoule" (ICSM) and specifically the "Laboratoire des Nanomateriaux pour l’Energie et le Recyclage" (LNER) has developped specific skills in synthesis routes and studies of porous materials (BET, TEM, SEM, SAXS).
This post-doctoral position is devoted to the synthesis of inorganic monoliths using high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) as soft template, and particularly to the functionalization of these materials with nanoparticles (NP).
The use of an emulsion in the procedure allows to consider innovative ways of functionalizing the material. For example, the oil-water interface in the emulsion may be the site of adsorption of nanoparticles of interest for a given application. In our case the goal is to prepare an emulsion with high internal phase (> 50% vol) stabilized by both surfactants (required for mesoporosity) and NP of interest to functionalize the macroporosity. NPs are chosen to cover liquid effluent decontamination (zeolite, nonatitanate, clathrate)
Crystalline materials for the selective extraction of monovalent metal cations: understanding the link between the crystalline structure and the selectivity
The selective extraction of monovalent metal cations from aqueous solutions have complex compositions is a key step in many energy-related fields. In this work, specific adsorbents for Cs, to decontaminate effluents produced by the nuclear industry, and for Li, to extract this strategic metal for the development of batteries, will be studied. Due to their modularity in terms of porosity and structure, crystalline oxides (as zeolites) are promising for the selective extraction of such cations. With a view to understand the role of their microstructure on their sorption/desorption performances and mechanisms, identify the selective sorption sites within these crystal structures is crucial.
For that purpose, the objective of this research work is, on the one hand, to synthesize crystal structures allowing the selective sorption of Cs or Li. Then, by using fine characterization techniques at the atomic scale as well as structures reconstruction effort, we will identify the location of selective sorption sites within these materials and, in this way, better understand their sorption mechanisms and properties.
For this post-doctoral position, we are looking for a PhD in material science with strong skills in synthesis and characterization of crystalline materials by X-ray diffraction. Experience in the study of crystalline oxides, such as zeolites, would be an advantage.
Fabrication and characterization of high thermal conductivity SiCf/SiC composites
SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix composites are foreseen candidates for structure materials and claddings in fast neutron reactor of 4th generation. However, their use may be limited because of their too low thermal conductivity in the operating conditions (< 10 W/mK).
SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix composites are now elaborated by chemical vapour infiltration (CVI). In order to improve their thermal conductivity (reduced porosity), it is planned to develop a hybrid elaboration process combining CVI and liquid routes.
The objective of this study is to determine the conditions of elaboration of a SiC matrix by liquid routes and then to characterize the thermo-mechanical behaviour of the hybrid composites, particularly in relation to CVI references.
Nano-silicon based negative composite electrode for lithium-ion batteries
With the aim of improving the battery type lithium-ion batteries, many works are devoted to research of new materials for the manufacturing of high-capacity electrodes. Silicon is an attractive material as an element of negative electrode instead of graphitic carbon with its high capacity that can theoretically reach almost 3579 mAh/g (Li15Si4, ten times more than the graphite (372 mAh / g, LiC6) . However, one major problem that has prevented the development of such electrodes is the high coefficient of volumetric expansion of silicon which leads to rapid degradation of the material (cracked, spraying the electrode ,....) and its performance. In this context, the work of post-doc will be to explore the electrochemical performance of negative electrodes prepared from silicon nanoparticles synthesized by laser pyrolysis CEA. The work will be to incorporate nanoparticles in a negative composite electrode and test its performance. The understanding work will be focused on the dual influence of nanostructuration of silicon particles and of the composition / implementation of the composite electrode on the performance. Thus, this work will be located at the junction of two CEA laboratory specialists from both key points of the study (Synthesis in Saclay, development and characterization of batteries in Grenoble).
Silicon nanowire elaboration for microelectronic applications
In order to realize high capacity integrated capacitor, one approach consists in developing electrode with high specific surface. In this work, we propose to perform capacitor integrating silicon nanowires. The first part of this study will be devoted to the understanding and to the optimization of Si nanowires CVD growth process. In parallel, properties of nanowires obtained by electrochemical silicon etching will be assessed and will be compared to CVD nanowires characteristics. According to the electrical performances, different strategies (metallization Silicuration…) will be envisaged in order to enhance their electrical conductivity.