PhD in Battery Materials and Electrochemistry: Composite Electrodes and Polymer Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Molecular Anion Batteries Nantes Université in France

PhD opportunity in Battery Materials and Electrochemistry at Nantes Université, France.

This doctoral project is based at the Institut des Matériaux de Nantes Jean Rouxel (IMN, CNRS UMR 6502) and focuses on all-solid-state molecular anion batteries, with emphasis on composite electrode formulation, polymer electrolytes integration, and electrochemical energy storage.

The research topic includes optimization of active materials and composite electrodes for both positive and negative electrodes, with attention to slurry formulation, particle size distribution, solvent and binder selection, conductive carbon, component ratios, and coating processes on current collectors. A second part of the project studies solid polymer electrolytes through electrode impregnation with a liquid precursor followed by in situ polymerization, as well as using the precursor as a solvent for electrode formulation. The developed systems will be integrated into full cells, first coin cells and then pouch cells, to evaluate cycling performance, power capability, and thermal stability.

The project is carried out within the collaborative SONIC project of the PEPR Batteries (France 2030), involving four doctoral projects across national laboratories. The work will take place in the ST2E research group at IMN, with collaboration with partners in Amiens, Lyon, and Grenoble. The employer is Nantes Université, and the gross monthly salary is approximately €2,300.

Eligibility: applicants should hold a Master’s degree or engineering degree in materials science, electrochemistry, or physical chemistry. Experience in electrochemistry, materials formulation, or processing techniques is preferred. The ideal candidate is autonomous, rigorous in experimental work, and strongly motivated by applied battery research.

Supervisors: Prof. Philippe Poizot and Prof. Bernard Lestriez, both at Nantes Université / IMN.

How to apply: send a CV and cover letter by email to [email protected] and [email protected]. A related bibliography is available via the provided link.

Start date: 2 November 2026.