Keywords: Atomic Layer Deposition, powder, coating, oxide

Description

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is a vapor phase deposition technique known for producing ultrathin inorganic films with precise sub-nanometer thickness control. This technology presents clear advantages over liquid or gas phase deposition methods. Firstly, ALD facilitates the creation of highly pure nanomaterials. Additionally, it excels in providing exceptional conformality, particularly when compared to gas phase methods such as PVD. ALD demonstrates the ability to uniformly coat intricate 3D structures with high-quality materials, a capability unmatched by other thin film deposition techniques. This outstanding conformality renders ALD-grown materials suitable for diverse applications, including biosensors, microelectronics, nanocatalysts, and batteries.

The surface properties of particles play a crucial role in determining the behavior of particulate systems, particularly in batteries. The primary objective of this mission is to enhance cathode materials. Our goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the coating chemistry applied to these cathode materials and to evaluate the feasibility of employing Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) as a coating method for these materials. Ultimately, the objective is to enhance the performance of these materials when integrated into batteries. The mission will be divided into two main parts: Coating powders with thin films using ALD and Characterizing the chemical, physical, and electrochemical properties of the resulting materials

Missions:

• Perform ALD depositions in accordance with established protocols and procedures, with a focus on optimizing deposition parameters.
• Maintain precise records of experimental data, including detailed observations, and keep organized records.
• Collaborate closely with the research team to enhance ALD processes, aiming for improved material quality and efficiency.
• Aid in the post-deposition characterization of materials, conducting structural and chemical analyses to support research goals.
• Analyze characterization data and provide valuable insights to the research
• Take responsibility for laboratory equipment, ensuring proper functioning, calibration, and readiness for experiments.

Candidate profile

If you possess a Master’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field and have a natural aptitude for hands-on experimentation, your practical skills and ability to solve problems will be valuable additions to our team. Your enthusiasm for learning and collaborative approach make you an ideal candidate for exploring advanced techniques like ALD. We are seeking individuals with experience in research laboratories or R&D environments who are interested in participating in interdisciplinary academic research with industrial goals. Strong interpersonal skills, dynamism, attention to detail, and effective teamwork abilities are highly esteemed. Proficiency in English is essential, and well- developed written English skills are strongly recommended. For further information, feel free to contact Dr. Mikhael BECHELANY at mikhael.bechelany@umontpellier.fr.

The engineer will be localized at the European Institute of Membrane (IEMM) in partnership with the global industrial group “Umicore.” The European Membrane Institute (IEMM) is a collaborative research unit associated with ENSCM (National School for Chemical Engineers), the University of Montpellier, and CNRS. The primary focus areas at IEMM include membrane chemistry, chemical engineering, and membrane processes. The unit comprises 55 permanent research staff members and 100 postdocs, PhD, and master’s students, supported by a team of 24 chemical engineers, technicians, and administrative staff.