Phd in Chemistry

**PhD in chemistry (M/F) - Harnessing energy with renewable organic batteries**:

- Réf **ABG-132285**
- Sujet de Thèse
- 28/05/2025
- Contrat doctoral
- Nantes Université/Université catholique de Louvain
- Lieu de travail- NANTES - Pays de la Loire - France
- Intitulé du sujet- PhD in chemistry (M/F) - Harnessing energy with renewable organic batteries
- Champs scientifiques- Chimie

**Description du sujet**:
The HEROBAT project aims to address the challenges of the energy transition by developing calcium-based organic batteries, a promising alternative to lithium-based systems, thanks to calcium’s abundance, safety, and redox potential. The project focuses on designing organic cathode materials that are renewable and have a low carbon footprint, a class of materials that is currently nonexistent for calcium-ion batteries.

This research relies on a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise in organic chemistry, materials chemistry, solid-state electrochemistry, and the design of small cell prototypes. It is part of an international collaboration between Nantes Université (NU) and the Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), under the co-supervision of Prof. Poizot and Vlad, both internationally recognized for their contributions to organic battery research.

HEROBAT addresses a strategic need in the field of sustainable batteries: the development of efficient positive electrodes (cathodes) for calcium-based batteries, a safer, more abundant, and environmentally friendly alternative to lithium-ion batteries. To date, no viable cathode materials exist for calcium-ion systems. HEROBAT therefore aims to develop a new generation of renewable organic cathodes, synthesized following green chemistry principles and potentially using bio-based resources.

The project aligns with the priorities of the “Industry of the Future” roadmap of the I-site NExT (Nantes Excellence Trajectory) and contributes to the energy transition through innovation in low-carbon materials. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach combining organic materials synthesis, electrochemistry, materials science, and lab-scale pouch cell prototyping. HEROBAT also represents an international doctoral training initiative, involving mobility, joint supervision, and skills transfer.

Sustainability is embedded at every stage of HEROBAT: eco-conscious design, material recyclability, use of soft processes, and avoidance of toxic substances. The project aims to deliver durable batteries compatible with a circular economy. It also serves as a model of European scientific cooperation between Nantes Université and UCLouvain, with strong academic and industrial impact potential.

**Prise de fonction**:

- 01/11/2025

**Nature du financement**:

- Contrat doctoral

**Précisions sur le financement**:

- Co-tutelle Nantes Université/Université catholique de Louvain

**Présentation établissement et labo d'accueil**:

- Nantes Université/Université catholique de Louvain

HEROBAT will benefit from a high-level scientific environment supported by two leading research institutes: the Institut des Matériaux de Nantes Jean Rouxel (IMN/UMR 6502 - CNRS/NU) and the Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN), through the Vlad Energy Group at UCLouvain.

The doctoral researcher will have access to advanced technological platforms at both sites for organic synthesis, structural characterization of materials (PXRD, FTIR, Raman, ICP-OES,), and electrochemical investigations (_operando_ testing, redox mechanism analysis). Cell prototyping will be conducted in Nantes using in-house expertise in pouch cell assembly.

**Site web**:
**Etablissement délivrant le doctorat**:

- Nantes Université/Université catholique de Louvain
- Detailed and updated CV
- Cover letter
- Transcripts of the grades and rankings of the Master’s degree or engineering degree (for semesters for which grades are available)
- Letter of appreciation from the direct supervisor of the Master’s research internship (mandatory for the 2nd year of the Master's degree, if applicable for the 1st year)- 24/06/2025