URGENT - Cryo-spectroscopic and Cryo-electrochemical Study of Electrode / Aqueous Electrolyte I[...]

ICB - UMR 6303 - Laboratoire Interdiciplinaire Carnot de Bourgogne; Dijon; Sur place; EUR 24 000 - 30 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A research laboratory in France is seeking a PhD candidate to investigate transient species formed at the surface of model electrodes in energy conversion devices. The role involves utilizing advanced spectroscopy techniques, specifically X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), in innovative cryogenic conditions. Candidates should have a Master's degree in Materials Science or Chemistry, along with experience in XPS and electrochemistry. Join us in contributing to crucial research for a decarbonized energy system.

Prestations

Access to state-of-the-art research facilities

Potential for national and international travel

Qualifications

• Master's degree related to materials science or chemistry is required.
• Experience in XPS and electrochemical methods is essential.
• Familiarity with spectroscopic techniques is advantageous.

Responsabilités

• Conduct research on transient species at the electrode/electrolyte interface.
• Implement cryogenic techniques in experimental setups.
• Collaborate nationally and internationally for measurements.

Connaissances

Experience with XPS techniques

Knowledge of electrochemical processes

Familiarity with spectroscopic methodologies

Formation

Master's degree in Materials Science or Chemistry

Outils

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

Cryo-electrochemistry

Description du poste

Overview

Topic description

Scientific context

Chemical processes occurring at the electrode / aqueous electrolyte interface are fundamental to a wide range of current and emerging technologies, including water electrolyzers for green hydrogen production and aqueous batteries (Ni-MH, Zn-air, aqueous Li-ion). There is significant interest in deciphering the nature of transient species formed at the electrode surface during polarization, as identifying these intermediates would provide valuable insights into which chemical and structural parameters of the electrode should be optimized or suppressed to enhance material performance.

The urgent transition of our society toward an energy system based on decarbonized resources has, in recent years, renewed the interest of the materials science community in detecting key reaction intermediates at the electrode / aqueous electrolyte interface. To this end, a variety of spectroscopic and spectroelectrochemical methodologies have been developed and applied, including UV-vis and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS).2–4 These techniques are typically implemented using one of three approaches : , in situ, and operando studies, with the latter two being the most suitable for the detection of transient species.

Among the available spectroscopic techniques for probing the electrode / electrolyte interface, XPS is particularly well-suited, as it is inherently surface-sensitive, with a typical probing depth of 5–20 nm at the laboratory scale, depending on the energy of the excitation X-ray source. However, XPS measurements are conventionally performed under ultra-high vacuum conditions (10⁻¹⁰ – 10⁻⁹ mbar), which prevents the direct analysis of intact electrode / aqueous electrolyte interfaces.

Objectives

The main objective of this PhD project is the detection and elucidation of transient species formed at the surface of model electrodes used in aqueous energy conversion and storage devices. The project will employ an integrated approach combining electrochemical, spectroscopic, and spectroelectrochemical methods, with particular emphasis on XPS measurements. In this context, post-mortem analyses will be complemented by in situ and operando experiments. To overcome the limitations inherent to conventional XPS experiments, an innovative methodology based on cryogenic conditions—including cryo-electrochemistry5 and cryo-XPS6—will be implemented. The use of low temperatures will enable the trapping of reaction intermediates with short lifetimes at room temperature.

Throughout the doctoral research, the PhD candidate will have access to the state-of-the-art experimental facilities of the ICB laboratory. These include, for example, an XPS instrument equipped with both a conventional X-ray source (Al Kα) and a high-energy X-ray source (Cr Kα), allowing for greater probing depth. Currently, such equipment is available in only three laboratories in France. The candidate may also be required to undertake national travel to perform specific measurements within the framework of the XPS research federation (SPE FR CNRS), supported by the host laboratory. International mobility may likewise be required to collaborate with partner institutions, such as the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Finally, measurements at large-scale research infrastructures, such as the SOLEIL synchrotron, may also be envisaged.

References

Chatenet, M.; Pollet, B. G.; Dekel, D. R.; Dionigi, F.; Deseure, J.; Millet, P.; Braatz, R. D.; Bazant, M. Z.; Eikerling, M.; Staffell, I.; Balcombe, P.; Shao-Horn, Y.; Schäfer, H. Water Electrolysis : From Textbook Knowledge to the Latest Scientific Strategies and Industrial Developments. Chem. Soc. Rev. , 51 , –.

Hrbek, T.; Kúš, P.; Rodríguez, M. G.; Matolín, V.; Matolínová, I. Operando X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Cell for Water Electrolysis : A Complete Picture of Iridium Electronic Structure during Oxygen Evolution Reaction. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy , 57, –.

Rotonnelli, B.; Fernandes, M.-S. D.; Bournel, F.; Gallet, J.-J.; Lassalle-Kaiser, B. In Situ / Operando X-Ray Absorption and Photoelectron Spectroscopies Applied to Water-Splitting Electrocatalysis. Current Opinion in Electrochemistry , 40, .

Liu, S.; D’Amario, L.; Jiang, S.; Dau, H. Selected Applications of Operando Raman Spectroscopy in Electrocatalysis Research. Current Opinion in Electrochemistry , 35, .

López, I.; Le Poul, N. Theoretical Aspects of Electrochemistry at Low Temperature. Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry , , .

Kjærvik, M.; Ramstedt, M.; Schwibbert, K.; Dietrich, P. M.; Unger, W. E. S. Comparative Study of NAP-XPS and Cryo-XPS for the Investigation of Surface Chemistry of the Bacterial Cell-Envelope. Frontiers in Chemistry , 9.

Starting date

• 11-03

Funding category

Public funding alone (i.e. government, region, European, international organization research grant)

Funding further details

Regional project