Materials for PEM water electrolysis: synthesis, multi-scale characterization and modeling

Hydrogen, a vector of the energy transition, can be produced in a carbon-free and economically competitive manner thanks to advances in water electrolysis, particularly proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. This technology also offers significant room for improvement in terms of efficiency and lifespan. This requires the development and optimization of core-process materials, especially electrocatalysts and polymer electrolytes. By relying on the main French player in the field (the Elogen company based in Les Ulis), the project aims to develop innovative cells and ensure their industrial outlet. Thanks to Elogen and the resources available in the host laboratory, the proposed research work will include activities for the synthesis of functional materials, their advanced physicochemical characterization (by near-field microscopy) and electrochemical characterization using advanced methodologies. A modeling activity will accompany these developments, in order to analyze performance and identify aging mechanisms in real conditions of industrial interest. The thesis will take place in an experienced environment and will be supported by the staff of the Joint Laboratory between ICMMO and Elogen.

The Institute of Molecular Chemistry and Materials of Orsay (ICMMO - UMR 8182) brings together approximately 150 permanent staff members and 120 doctoral students or post-doctoral researchers within a structure at the heart of the Faculty of Sciences of Orsay at Paris-Sud University. It is one of the leading university research entities in chemistry in France. The research activities will be conducted within the ERIEE team (Research and Innovation in Electrochemistry for Energy), which specializes in electrochemistry for energy applications.

The team consists of researchers who share a common scientific culture and focus on molecular and materials physics-chemistry. Its objective is to address major societal challenges, including hydrogen, CO2 reduction, batteries, and supercapacitors. The team's work spans a broad range of activities, from the synthesis and characterization of materials (solid-state, molecular solids) with (photo)electrochemical properties to prototype development (electrochemical engineering) and technology transfer. The team also manages numerous external partnerships, both academic and industrial.

The selected candidate will work in close collaboration with both academic researchers and industrial engineers, benefiting from expert supervision in electrochemistry, materials science, and numerical modeling. The research activities will be tailored to the candidate’s background.

A candidate with experience in materials science or electrochemistry will focus on the synthesis and characterization of advanced materials using a range of physicochemical techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, AFM, and BET, as well as electrochemical methods including cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry. They will also conduct mechanistic and kinetic analyses and participate in the fabrication and performance testing of membrane-electrode assemblies in both laboratory-scale and industrial PEM cells.

Alternatively, a candidate with a background in numerical modeling will be in charge of developing numerical models to simulate the electrochemical behavior of materials and PEM cells, optimize performance, and analyze degradation mechanisms. This work will involve the use of tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, COMSOL Multiphysics, and Python.

Applicants should have a strong background in materials chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical engineering, or numerical modeling, with experience in the relevant experimental or computational techniques. Excellent communication skills are expected, along with the ability to present research results clearly in both academic and industrial contexts. Proficiency in either English or French is required, and knowledge of both languages is an asset.

We are looking for a motivated, curious, and rigorous candidate with strong critical thinking skills, who enjoys scientific challenges and values teamwork. A keen interest in sustainable energy technologies and applied research is strongly encouraged.