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Optimization of hematite-based photoanodes for production of green hydrogen via solar water splitting

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Stage M2
CEA Saclay, Site de l’Orme des merisiers (91) Essonne, France
February 26 2027
February 1 2027
6 month
2027-optimization-of-hematite-based-photoanodes-for-pro-en

Domain, Specialties : Materials chemistry
Keywords: condesnsed matter science; photoelectrochemistry;

Research Unit : SPEC / LNO

Summary

The topic of this internship is part of the theme: hydrogen production by solar water splitting. In particular, we are interested in optimizing iron oxide-based photoanodes to increase the efficiency of the photoelectrolysis reaction. The aim is to maximize the active surface area of photoanodes by using self-assembled polymer blends to create periodic nanoscale patterns. Photoelectrochemical characterization, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), as well as X-ray spectromicroscopy techniques at synchrotron SOLEIL, will be used to characterize nanostructured photoanodes.

Full description

The aim of this internship is to improve the efficiency of hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) photoanodes for solar water splitting (SWS) applications by optimizing their active surface area. During the internship, the student will prepare Ti-doped hematite nanorods using the Aqueous Chemical Growth (ACG) method on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates1,2. To optimize the active surface area, the student will use self-assembled polymer blends (PMMA/PS) to create periodic nanoscale patterns, inspired by polymer blend lithography techniques3,4. This patterning method aims to space out the nanorods, thereby maximizing the active surface area and facilitating electrolyte access to catalytic sites. (Figure).

The intern student will participate to the advanced characterization willing to evaluate the photoelectrochemical performance, chemistry and morphology of the photoanodes. This includes photoelectrochemical tests to assess performance improvements (photocurrent measurements by linear voltammetry, electroimpedance spectroscopy – EIS, photocurrent stability), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological analysis, Raman spectroscopy to further analyze the chemical composition and defects in the material and potentially synchrotron characterization using XPEEM and STXM at the HERMES beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron for in-depth chemistry and chemical coordination analysis. The analysis of the results will involve comparing the performance of nanostructured photoanodes with their non-patterned counterparts, providing insights for future optimizations.

The intern will work at SPEC, the Condensed Matter Physics Laboratory (UMR 3680 CEA-CNRS) of CEA Saclay, located at L’Orme des Merisiers. A CEA bus system provides easy access to L’Orme des Merisiers from various locations in Ile-de-France. This M2 internship is proposed as part of ANR OERKOP (https://anr.fr/Projet-ANR-22-CE50-0033)

Further information and to apply:
Please send your CV and motivation letter to Corentin Rieb Dana Stanescu and Stefan Stanescu

Bibliography:

  1. Stanescu, S.; Alun, T.; Dappe, Y. J.; Ihiawakrim, D.; Ersen, O.; Stanescu, D. Enhancement of the Solar Water Splitting Efficiency Mediated by Surface Segregation in Ti-Doped Hematite Nanorods. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2023, 15 (22), 26593–26605..
  2. Characterizing Surface States in Hematite Nanorod Photoanodes, Both Beneficial and Detrimental to Solar Water Splitting Efficiency.
    Stanescu; Piriyev; Villard; Mocuta; Et., A., J. Mater. Chem. A 2020.
  3. Polymer Blend Lithography for Metal Films: Large-Area Patterning with over 1 Billion Holes/Inch2. Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2015, 6, 1205–1211.
  4. Polymer Films with Nanoscale Turing Patterns by Polymerization-Induced Liquid Interfacial Self-Assembly
    Zhuang, H.; Wang, J. Porous, Chem. Phys. Lett. 2025, 864, 141916.

Location

CEA Saclay, Site de l’Orme des merisiers (91) Essonne, France

Internship conditions

  • Internship duration: 6 months
  • Level of study: Bac+5
  • Training: Master 2
  • Continuation in PhD thesis: Yes
  • Application deadline: 1 mars 2027

Experimental skills

Language : English

Useful methods and technics:

  • scanning electronic microscopy (SEM);
  • electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS);
  • (photo-) voltametry;
  • aqueous chemical growth (ACG);
  • X-ray spectromicroscopy (STXM, XPEEM);
  • Raman spectroscopy

Computer languages and software:

  • Office, Python

Supervisor

Corentin RIEB
Phone: 0169087548
Email :

Head of the laboratory SPEC / LNO

Dana STANESCU
Phone: 0169087548
Email :