Cifre Phd Position

Solvay is a science company whose technologies bring benefits to many aspects of daily life. Our purpose—we bond people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress—is a call to go beyond, to reinvent future forms of progress and create sustainable shared value for all through the power of science. In a world facing an ever-growing population and quest for resources, we aim to be the driving force triggering the next breakthroughs to enable humanity to advance while protecting the planet we all share.

We bond with customers and partners to address today and tomorrow’s megatrends. As a global leader in Materials, Chemicals and Solutions, Solvay brings advancements in planes, cars, batteries, smart and medical devices, water and air treatment, to solve critical industrial, social and environmental challenges. You can count on our innovative solutions to contribute to safer, cleaner and more sustainable future.

Role Overview

CIFRE PhD position

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- Inks formulation and rheology for the fabrication of fuel cell electrodes

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- Place: Laboratory of the Future (LOF) UMR 5258, Solvay, CNRS, University of Bordeaux

**Context**

Since 2021 Solvay, a global leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials, has structured within a growth platform all the innovative materials and chemical solutions that the Group can offer to drive the growing hydrogen economy.

One of the flagship technologies at the heart of this platform are Aquivion® ionomers, which are found in a wide range of solutions for hydrogen conversion or electricity storage. These highly technical ionomers are, in particular, used for the elaboration of electrodes and separation membranes for electrolysers and fuel cells. They will be at the heart of this PhD project.

**Objectives**
- _ to implement methods for analyzing the morphology and distribution of ionomers_
- _ to study the impact of the solvent and the polymer on the state of dispersion of inks and the rheology of formulations_
- _ to propose formulation approaches adapted to the specifications of the processes _
- _to collaborate with electrochemists to evaluate the performance of the most filmogenic formulations._

**Competencies and profile**

Engineer or master's degree in physical chemistry or polymer with a strong taste for experimental work.

Ability to work independently as well as in a team, curiosity, proactivity, creativity, enthusiasm, seriousness and rigour.

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Additional Information

Solvay’s purpose is to bond people, ideas and elements to reinvent progress. We can only fulfill this purpose with a diverse workforce that feels respected and appreciated, and has equal opportunities to work, grow and thrive. Our differences, visible or not, are valued. As Solvay seeks to promote unity and not uniformity, we invite you - regardless of background, age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity - to consider a future with us.