PhD student (M/F): Recycling critical metals from Li-ion batteries using polymer-assisted super[...]

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France is looking for a First Stage Researcher to investigate innovative recycling methods for critical metals in lithium-ion batteries. This role requires a master's degree in polymer chemistry and familiarity with organic and physical chemistry. The position offers a gross monthly salary of approximately €2,300 and an exciting research environment focused on sustainability and innovation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in polymer chemistry required.
• Solid experience in organic chemistry and physical chemistry of polymers needed.
• Knowledge of solid-state chemistry and/or Li-ion batteries appreciated.

Responsabilités

• Explore new methods for recycling critical metals in lithium-ion batteries.
• Conduct part of the project at SNAM in Viviez.
• Engage in research and collaboration on recycling critical metals.

Connaissances

Polymer chemistry

Organic chemistry

Physical chemistry of polymers

Communication skills in English

Curiosity

Autonomy

Formation

Master's degree in polymer chemistry or equivalent

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Physics » Chemical physics Physics » Biophysics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 28 Nov 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 5 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Candidate profile: The candidate must have a master's degree or equivalent in polymer chemistry, combined with solid experience in organic chemistry and the physical chemistry of polymers, a strong interest in innovation, and very good communication skills (English required), strong motivation, curiosity, and autonomy. Knowledge of solid-state chemistry and/or Li-ion batteries, as well as an appetite for processes, including supercritical fluid technologies, would be appreciated.

Host laboratory: The thesis will mainly be carried out at the Charles Gerhardt Institute in Montpellier (1919 route de Mende, 34000 Montpellier, France), specifically within departments D2 (Macromolecular Chemistry and Materials) and D4 (Materials Chemistry, Nanostructures, Materials for Energy). The doctoral student will also be required to carry out part of the project at SNAM (Viviez). Thesis supervisors: Patrick LACROIX-DESMAZES and Cécile BOUILHAC. EDSCB Doctoral School. Gross monthly salary of approximately €2,300/month (employer: CNRS).

Context: Controlled management of strategic metal resources in lithium-ion batteries (LIB) has become a pressing issue due to the exponential increase in their use in recent years. The aim of this ANR-funded POLYCRICRI project is to propose a new, innovative approach to recycling critical metals that is cleaner and less energy-intensive. This work is a collaboration between ICGM, an expert in materials chemistry (including polymers, batteries, supercritical fluids, and computational chemistry), SNAM, the European leader in rechargeable battery recycling, INOVERTIS for life cycle analysis, and IFS for communication and expertise in supercritical fluid technologies.

Objectives: This thesis aims to explore a new approach to recycling critical metals (Co, Li, Ni, Mn) contained in LIBs. The approach is based on the use of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) assisted by polymers composed of CO2-philic units to confer solubility to the polymers, and complexing units to allow the polymers to interact with metal ions [1]. The target polymers will be synthesized by controlled radical polymerization or telomerization. The proposed method is based on promising results obtained on model compounds for cobalt and lithium [2-3]. The recovered metals will be reused for the synthesis of new cathode materials, whose performance will be evaluated electrochemically in Li-ion batteries. The complexing polymers will be regenerated for a new extraction cycle. This project contributes to the circular economy of critical metals.