Doctoral thesis (M/F) - Stabilization of the iron anode for long-term energy storage

General information
To apply: https://doctorat.univ-lorraine.fr/en/node/100030022
Place of work: LCPME, UMR7564, CNRS et Université de Lorraine, Nancy.
Type of contract: Doctoral contract
Contract duration: 36 months 
Hiring date: October 2025
Working hours: Full time
Gross salary: €2,100
Level of education required: Master
Funding sources: Université de Lorraine

Description of the research topic

Long-term storage of electrical energy is essential for the development and integration of renewable energies such as wind power and photovoltaics into the electricity grid. Over and above the technical challenges associated with the storage technologies being proposed, the availability of resources and their cost are also essential factors to be taken into account when increasing the duration of storage. This is undoubtedly why there is so much interest today in iron for electrochemical energy storage. This material is abundant and its cost is low. Several iron-based technologies are the subject of intensive research and development, such as iron-air batteries and all-iron redox flow batteries. 

The challenge of this research project is to maintain the redox reactivity of iron, which is necessary in the charging and discharging phases, while limiting corrosion and the hydrogen evolution reaction, which are the main sources of self-discharge.

The aim is also to analyze this reactivity using coupled electrochemical/optical/spectroscopic techniques to better understand and control it, and enable the development of a technology suited to the long-term storage of renewable electrical energy.

Profile and skills required

Basic training in physical chemistry, analytical chemistry and electrochemistry. First practical experience in electrochemistry will be highly appreciated. Good oral and written communication skills in English.

Context

The research will be carried out within the LCPME electrochemistry team (https://www.lcpme.ul.cnrs.fr/laboratoire/elan/) and will benefit from the support of the interface spectroscopy and microscopy platform (https://www.lcpme.ul.cnrs.fr/equipements/smi/).