Vacuum- and liquid-phase thin film deposition for electrochemistry

Ecole Polytechnique; France; On-site; EUR 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Ecole Polytechnique in France seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance electrochemical coatings using liquid-phase ALD and related deposition methods. You will work on copper-based MOFs, and custom reactor design while exploring structure-property relationships for water splitting and related reactions.

The role offers hands-on experimental work, collaboration with the physics and chemistry groups, and potential to contribute to cutting-edge sustainable energy research.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent required in Chemistry (Inorganic) or Physics (Surface).
• Proven ability to design and conduct electrochemical and surface science experiments.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to Liquid-phase ALD and MOF thin film deposition projects.
• Assist in developing a home-made ALD reactor and evaluating electrochemical performance.
• Characterize films using electron microscopy, diffraction, and spectroscopy.

Education

PhD or equivalent in Chemistry (Inorganic)

PhD or equivalent in Physics (Surface)

Job description

Organisation/Company Ecole Polytechnique Department Physics and Chemistry Research Field Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Physics » Surface physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 30 Jan 2027 - 23:00 (Europe/Paris) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The transition to a sustainable energy economy requires efficient electrochemical processes for producing green hydrogen, ammonia, and other high-value molecules. Electrochemical reactions occur at the electrode surface, making well-anchored nanometric coatings a cost-effective way to enhance efficiency and yield. Therefore, precise, modular deposition of such coatings are required. In our team, we are developing innovative layer-by-layer deposition methods, including liquid-phase atomic layer deposition (ALD) and custom reactor design (vacuum ALD). Our goal is to understand the relationship between film characteristics (composition, crystallinity, morphology) and electrochemical performance in reactions such as water splitting and nitrogen reduction.
Research Projects
You will contribute to one or more of the following ongoing projects:

• Liquid-phase ALD of transition metal oxides/oxynitrides : develop and optimize deposition processes using a custom microfluidic-inspired reactor
  and assess their electrochemical properties.
• Cu-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) thin films deposition: transfer MOF crystalline phases from powder to thin film deposition in liquid-phase
• Custom ALD reactor construction: participate in building a home-made ALD reactor for versatile thin film synthesis.

Scientific Approach:

The deposited layers will be characterized using advanced techniques (electron microscopy, diffraction, spectroscopy) available in-house. Electrochemical
performance and stability will be evaluated in water splitting and nitrogen reduction reactions. The ultimate goal is to establish structure-property relationships, linking layer characteristics (composition, crystallinity, morphology) to electrochemical activity.

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Surface physics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Ecole Polytechnique - CNRS; Laboratoire Physique de la Matière Condensée Country France Geofield