CD - Couplage électrochimie et ellipsométrie operando // CD - Coupling Electrochemistry & Operando Ellipsometry

Project Overview: The scientific objective of this PhD is to get new insights in the study of electrochemical interfaces thanks to a non-contact dedicated characterization tool combining real-time operando ellipsometry with electrochemistry. This approach has proven effective to determine cathodic or anodic mechanisms or obtain information on surface reactivity. It will be applied to enhance our understanding of:
 Plasma electrolyte oxidation surface treatment
 Electrochemical atomic layer deposition
The research builds on a long-standing collaboration between two groups in Metz: Chemistry & Electrochemistry of Materials group / IJL (N. Stein, A. Zimmer) and Ellipsometry Platform / LCP-A2MC
(A. Ennaciri, L. Broch). The work will focus on two applications bring by the Surface and Interface, Chemical Reactivity of Materials group / IJL (D. Veys-Renaux) and by Aix-Marseille Université/M2NP (M.-C. Record).
Work Environment
Primary location: IJL's Chemistry & Electrochemistry lab in Metz (ICPM building) and shared space with the Ellipsometry team (basement, same building). Occasional visits to IJL Nancy for technical access and discussion with colleagues. Online meetings with Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) researcher, with possible once short visit if required.
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Project Overview: The scientific objective of this PhD is to get new insights in the study of electrochemical interfaces thanks to a non-contact dedicated characterization tool combining real-time operando ellipsometry with electrochemistry. This approach has proven effective to determine cathodic or anodic mechanisms or obtain information on surface reactivity. It will be applied to enhance our understanding of:
 Plasma electrolyte oxidation surface treatment
 Electrochemical atomic layer deposition
The research builds on a long-standing collaboration between two groups in Metz: Chemistry & Electrochemistry of Materials group / IJL (N. Stein, A. Zimmer) and Ellipsometry Platform / LCP-A2MC
(A. Ennaciri, L. Broch). The work will focus on two applications bring by the Surface and Interface, Chemical Reactivity of Materials group / IJL (D. Veys-Renaux) and by Aix-Marseille Université/M2NP (M.-C. Record).
Work Environment
Primary location: IJL's Chemistry & Electrochemistry lab in Metz (ICPM building) and shared space with the Ellipsometry team (basement, same building). Occasional visits to IJL Nancy for technical access and discussion with colleagues. Online meetings with Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) researcher, with possible once short visit if required.
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Début de la thèse : 01/10/2026

Public funding alone (i.e. government, region, European, international organization research grant)

Concours pour un contrat doctoral

Université de Lorraine

606 C2MP - CHIMIE MECANIQUE MATERIAUX PHYSIQUE

Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, or Physical Chemistry. Strong hands-on skills in chemical or optical lab work. - Experience in electrochemistry, or optics, - Programming (e.g.: LabView, MATLAB) is a plus, - **Language**: Fluent English (French is a bonus). - **Safety awareness**: basic chemical lab safety rules is mandatory (hazardous chemical solutions), basic laser safety knowledge is helpful (LASER CLASS 3B will be used)
Master's degree in Physics, Materials Science, or Physical Chemistry. Strong hands-on skills in chemical or optical lab work. - Experience in electrochemistry, or optics, - Programming (e.g.: LabView, MATLAB) is a plus, - **Language**: Fluent English (French is a bonus). - **Safety awareness**: basic chemical lab safety rules is mandatory (hazardous chemical solutions), basic laser safety knowledge is helpful (LASER CLASS 3B will be used)