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

Organisation/Company Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (CNRS UMR 7273) Research Field Chemistry Technology » Energy technology Technology » Materials technology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 9 Apr 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Country France Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

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 l ith ium-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.

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

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.

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire (CNRS UMR 7273) Country France City Marseille