Self-healing polymer binders for silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries

Context

The depletion of fossil resources and the need to protect our planet have become major societal challenges, driving the development of new energy storage technologies. In this context, the quest for efficient rechargeable lithium batteries to power electronic devices and electric vehicles has recently gained worldwide attention.

Silicon (Si)-based anodes are among the most promising candidates for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their ultra-high theoretical capacity. However, the severe volumetric changes associated with lithium-ion insertion/extraction lead to the pulverization of Si particles and the loss of electrical contact, significantly hindering their practical deployment.

Materials developed by ICR, based on block copolymers, have already demonstrated outstanding performance as solid-state electrolytes for lithium batteries¹. Moreover, we have successfully applied an elastomeric binder derived from block copolymers to enhance the stability of high-volume-change anodes².

A key breakthrough will be the integration of a self-healing polymer binder to further improve the cycling stability of LIBs by autonomously repairing internal and external mechanical damage caused by the drastic volume changes in Si-based anodes³. One of the most promising strategies to achieve spontaneous self-healing relies on supramolecular assembly through dynamic and reversible hydrogen bonding or ionic interactions.

PhD project description

In this context, this PhD project aims to develop a self-healing binder based on block copolymers for the fabrication of silicon anodes in solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The different blocks will provide ionic (or electronic) conductivity, stretchability, and self-healing ability.Thus, the PhD student will be responsible for (i) the synthesis and characterization of functional monomers, (ii) their copolymerization using advanced methods of polymerization, such as Nitroxide Mediated Polymerization,⁴ to obtain various self-healing stretchable binders, and (iii) the characterization of the newly synthetized copolymers. He/she will collaborate with a partner, the Center Microelectronics in Provence of Ecole des Mines de Saint-Étienne (CMP EMSE)⁵.

References

[1] R. Bouchet, S. Maria, R. Meziane, A. Aboulaich, L. Lienafa, J.-P. Bonnet, T. N. T. Phan, D. Bertin, D. Gigmes, D. Devaux, R. Denoyel, M. Armand, Nat. Mater., 12, 452 (2013). [2] A. T. Tesfaye, F. Dumur, D. Gigmes, S. Maria, L. Monconduit, T. Djenizian, Sci. Rep, 9, 4301 (2019). [3] S. Wu, F. Di, J.-G. Zheng, H.-W. Zhao, H. Zhang, L.-X. Li, X. Geng, C.-G. Sun, H.-M. Yang, W.-M. Zhou, D.-Y. Ju, B.-G. Anet, New Carbon Mater., 37(5), 802 (2022). [4] J. Nicolas, Y. Guillaneuf, C. Lefay, D. Bertin, D. Gigmes, B., Charleux, Prog. Polym. Sci., 38, 63 (2013). [5] Nasreldin, R. Delattre, C. Calmes, M. Ramuz, V. A. Sugiawati, S. Maria, J-L de Bougrenet de la Tocnaye, T. Djenizian, Energy Storage Mater., 33, 108 (2020).

The Institute of Radical Chemistry ICR (UMR7273) is a Joint Research Unit under the tutorship of the University of Aix-Marseille and the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).

The Radical Organic Chemistry and Specialty Polymers Team (CROPS) from ICR aims to study and understand the radical processes involved in polymer chemistry (synthesis, degradation, stabilization, etc.), develop synthetic methodologies based on radical chemistry for obtaining complex macromolecular architectures, synthesize polymeric materials with specific properties finding applications in various fields such as environment, energy or health.

The candidate should have completed, or be in the final stages of completing, a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, or a closely related field. The successful applicant should have a good command of English and demonstrate strong motivation, rigor, independence, and initiative.

Good oral communication skills are essential, as the selection process relies heavily on the candidate’s presentation before the Laboratory Council and the Doctoral School Committee.

The application deadline is April 10, 2026.