Domain, specialty : CHIMIE – Electrochemistry
Laboratory : NIMBE/LICSEN
Abstract:
The internship will focus on the development of catalysts for proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. The aim is to synthesize catalysts based on iridium and iridium-nickel alloys, which are more economical while maintaining high performance. The catalysts will be deposited on a gas diffusion layer using various coating techniques, and characterized by electrochemical techniques.
Detailed subject of the internship
Background: Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers play a key role in the production of green hydrogen from water electrolysis. However, the development of electrode materials remains a major challenge. Oxidation-reduction reactions require the use of catalysts that must be efficient and stable under the harsh operating conditions of the electrolyzer (acidic environment and high anode potential).
Catalysts based on noble metals, such as iridium (Ir), are among the most effective for this application, but their high cost is driving the search for alternatives or optimization of their use. The aim of this internship is to explore new catalyst formulations, in particular alloys based on iridium and nickel. The aim is to develop catalytic materials that reduce the amount of noble metal while maintaining high performance.
Objectives:
- Development of iridium and nickel-iridium catalysts:
Synthesis of iridium (Ir) and iridium-nickel (Ir-Ni) alloys via basic hydrolysis and acid condensation. Other synthesis techniques, such as sol-gel processes, may also be considered to optimize nanoparticles. - Catalyst deposition on the gas diffusion layer:
Formulation of a catalyst ink for homogeneous deposition of the catalyst on the gas diffusion layer (GDL). Study of different deposition methods such as spray-coating, dip-coating and spin-coating to obtain uniform, adherent films. - Characterization of catalytic coatings:
Electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to assess the catalytic activity and corrosion resistance of coatings under conditions simulating those of PEM electrolyzers. Microstructural and structural characterization of deposited layers.
Profile required: Master 2 student or equivalent (engineer) in materials science or physics-chemistry. Knowledge of electrochemistry would be appreciated.
Hosting laboratory: CEA Paris-Saclay, laboratoire LICSEN (Laboratoire d’Innovation en Chimie des Surfaces et Nanosciences) de l’UMR NIMBE (CEA-CNRS), 91191 Gif-Sur-Yvette.
Internship location
CEA Saclay, (91) Essonne, France
Internship conditions
- Durée du stage : 5 mois
- Niveau d’étude requis : Bac+5
- Formation : Ingénieur/Master
- Poursuite possible en thèse : Oui
- Date limite de candidature : 23 septembre 2024
Skills
Langue : Anglais
Supervisor
Mélanie Francois
Tél. : 0169089083
Email :
Head of the NIMBE/LICSEN laboratory
Frédéric Oswald
Tél. : 0169082149