General information
Organisation
The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a key player in research, development and innovation in four main areas :
• defence and security,
• nuclear energy (fission and fusion),
• technological research for industry,
• fundamental research in the physical sciences and life sciences.
Drawing on its widely acknowledged expertise, and thanks to its 16000 technicians, engineers, researchers and staff, the CEA actively participates in collaborative projects with a large number of academic and industrial partners.
The CEA is established in ten centers spread throughout France
Reference
SL-DRF-26-0141
Direction
DRF
Thesis topic details
Category
Condensed Matter Physics, chemistry, nanosciences
Thesis topics
Blended positive electrodes in solid-state batteries: Effect of the electrode fabrication process on electrochemistry
Contract
Thèse
Job description
The development of cost-effective, high-energy-density solid-state batteries (SSBs) is essential for the large-scale adoption of next-generation energy storage technologies. Among various cathode candidates, LiFePO4 (LFP) and LiFe1??Mn?PO4 (LFMP) offer safety and cost advantages but suffer from low working voltages and limited kinetics compared to Ni-rich layered oxides such as LiNi0.85Mn0.05Co0.1O2 (NMC85). To balance energy density, rate capability, and stability, this PhD project aims to develop blended cathodes combining LFMP and NMC85 in optimized ratios for solid-state configurations employing sulfide electrolytes (Li6PS5Cl). We will investigate how fabrication methods- including slurry-based electrode processing and binder-solvent optimization- affect the electrochemical and structural performance. In-depth operando and in situ characterizations (XRD, Raman, and NMR) will be conducted to elucidate lithium diffusion, phase transition mechanisms, and redox behavior within the blended systems. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and titration methods will quantify lithium kinetics across various states of charge. By correlating processing conditions, microstructure, and electrochemical behavior, this research seeks to identify optimal cathode compositions and manufacturing strategies for scalable, high-performance SSBs. Ultimately, the project aims to deliver a comprehensive understanding of structure–property relationships in blended cathodes, paving the way for practical solid-state battery technologies with enhanced safety, stability, and cost efficiency.
University / doctoral school
Sciences Chimiques: Molécules, Matériaux, Instrumentation et Biosystèmes (2MIB)
Paris-Saclay
Thesis topic location
Site
Saclay
Requester
Position start date
01/10/2026
Person to be contacted by the applicant
PONGILAT Remith
remith.pongilat@cea.fr
CEA
DRF/IRAMIS/NIMBE/LEEL
CEA Paris-Saclay
DRF/IRAMIS/NIMBE/LEEL
UMR 3685 NIMBE- CEA/CNRS
Bât 637, Pièce 5
91191 Gif sur Yvette
FRANCE
+33169088190
Tutor / Responsible thesis director
GAUTHIER Magali
magali.gauthier@cea.fr
CEA
DRF/IRAMIS/NIMBE/LEEL
01 69 08 45 30
En savoir plus
https://iramis.cea.fr/en/nimbe/leel/pisp/magali-gauthier/
https://iramis.cea.fr/en/nimbe/leel/