TOPIC #10
Hybrid Materials for On-Demand Healing in Safer, Durable Silicon Batteries
Research area: New Materials & Electrolytes
Keywords: Healing, Li-ion technologies, durable batteries
Supervising team: Christel LABERTY-ROBERT (Sorbonne Université) & Robert DOMINKO (National Institute of Chemisty)
Abstract
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a multidisciplinary project aimed at developing high-silicon-content negative electrodes (>50%) with enhanced durability for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. The project focuses on autonomous and on-demand self-healing strategies to address mechanical and electrochemical degradation caused by silicon’s large volumetric expansion during cycling.
The student will design and synthesize hybrid organic–inorganic materials, combining a cellulose-based matrix with silicon-derived nanoparticles using sol-gel methods. Cellulose ensures processability and electrochemical stability, while nanoparticles provide tunable mechanical properties and enable crosslinking to maintain electrode integrity. In addition, polymeric microcapsules loaded with carbon black or lithium salts (LiPF₆, LiTFSI) will be incorporated to restore local electronic and ionic pathways, activated by mechanical stress or acoustic triggers.
The project involves integrated characterization and testing, including rheometry, impedance spectroscopy under stress, SEM/TEM microstructural analysis, tomography using Cryo-FIB, and electrochemical evaluation in half- and full-cells. The student will systematically optimize material composition, microstructure, and microcapsule properties to maximize performance and durability.
This PhD offers comprehensive training in materials design, synthesis, electrochemistry, and self-healing strategies, preparing the student for a career in academia or industry within the field of energy storage and advanced functional materials.
Interest for the student
Expected mobility: As part of the MSCA Co-Fund, each student will spend six months at the National Institute of Chemistry in Ljubljana (Slovenia), in Prof. Robert Dominko’s lab. There, they will implement the self-healing materials developed and tested at LCMCP under conditions closer to real batteries, providing a key step toward practical validation.
The students will also attend specialized schools on advanced characterization techniques, gaining the skills needed to monitor healing mechanisms in electrochemical systems. In addition, they will participate in international conferences (ECS, MRS or IBA,..) to present their work, strengthen their scientific network, and enhance their communication skills.
This mobility plan ensures comprehensive training, combining cutting-edge research, advanced technical expertise, and international collaboration.
Career opportunities: This PhD will provide the student with multidisciplinary training, combining cutting-edge scientific expertise with highly transferable skills to strengthen career prospects in academia, industry, and innovation-driven sectors. The student will gain advanced knowledge in design, synthesis, and characterization of hybrid materials, alongside practical experience in electrochemical testing for battery applications, linking fundamental research to real-world performance. Working in an international and interdisciplinary environment, they will develop skills in collaboration, project management, and scientific communication, enhanced through mobility, training schools, and conference participation. Overall, the program equips the student with a rare and versatile profile, ensuring excellent employability and the ability to lead in research and innovation.
