PhD – High temperature kinetic and thermodynamic behaviour of graphitic biomass-based biocarbon (biochar) for energy storage IMT Mines Albi in France

This PhD position at IMT Mines Albi, France, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of sustainable energy storage. The project, funded by an ERC Advanced Grant under the EU Horizon Europe programme, focuses on the high temperature kinetic and thermodynamic behaviour of graphitic biomass-based biocarbon (biochar) and its application in energy storage. The research will be conducted within the RAPSODEE Center, a CNRS joint research unit renowned for its work in process engineering, materials, and sustainable energies.

The main objective of the PhD is to evaluate the storage capacity of innovative biocarbon composites, which are advanced biomass-based carbon materials designed to store energy in various environments. This research aims to provide sustainable alternatives to current energy storage solutions that rely on fossil fuel-based or non-sustainable materials, thereby contributing to significant CO2 emissions reduction and energy savings.

The project involves international collaboration, with regular visits to partner laboratories in France, India, and the USA. The PhD thesis will be supervised by Professor Ange Nzihou and co-supervised by a colleague from Princeton University, ensuring a rich academic environment and exposure to global research networks.

Research activities will include the selection and characterization of biomass feedstocks, pyrolysis and graphitization processes to produce biocarbon composites, and their application in energy storage. The focus will be on measuring and calculating thermodynamic and kinetic data, including dissolution-precipitation, grain nucleation, growth, and stability of biocarbon-based composites during formation. The construction of multi-component phase diagrams and comparison of experimental data with modelling results will enable optimization of the thermophysical and chemical properties of biocarbon materials.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemical engineering, materials engineering, materials science, or physical chemistry. Essential skills include expertise in thermodynamics and/or kinetic modelling, programming for scientific computing and data analysis, and experience with materials characterization techniques such as XRD, XPS, TGA-DSC, and N₂ sorption. Familiarity with microscopy and spectroscopy methods (SEM-EDS, HR-TEM, Raman spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy) is also required. Candidates should demonstrate scientific rigor, analytical and synthesis skills, autonomy, initiative, and strong communication abilities in English.

The position offers a pleasant working environment on a 22-hectare campus, 49 days of leave, on-site staff catering, support for sustainable commuting, and social benefits including supplementary social protection and family assistance. The contract is fixed-term for 36 months, with full funding provided by the ERC grant.

To apply, candidates must submit a CV, cover letter, and 1 or 2 letters of recommendation via the online application portal. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request. For questions regarding the position content, contact Auriane Agard ([email protected]); for administrative matters, contact Laura Olivier ([email protected]).

Application deadline: May 29, 2026. For further details and to apply, visit the official IMT Mines Albi recruitment portal.