POLYPHOSPHONATE-BASED SAFE ELECTROLYTES FOR ZINC-ION BATTERIES (POLYSAFE-ZIB)

Due to the large production of polymers, the chemical recycling of polymer wastes, which would offer a sustainable polymer reusing technology, is of major importance. Polyurethanes (PUs) are a wide family of polymers which are used in a broad range of sectors, from adhesive coatings, to automotive and construction industries. Unfortunately, the current practices in the generation and disposal of PU polymers are largely unsustainable.

The aim of this project is to develop PU in a sustainable way, through the involvement of a Diels-Alder/retro-Diels-Alder cycle and by combining two approaches:

- The first one consists in synthesizing PU networks from elastomer wastes such as tires wastes. Functionalizations of tires wastes through metathesis reactions is envisaged in this context;

- The second aims at designing reversible cross-linked PU networks using the thermally reversible DA reaction, with a particular interest in studying the impact of the nature of the adducts and the influence of the crosslink density on the thermomechanical properties of the networks and their recyclability.

This research project will be carried out in the polymer group of LCMT. The « Laboratoire de chimie Moléculaire et Thioorganique » (LCMT, Caen) is a part of the « Institut Normand de Chimie Moléculaire, Médicinale et Macromoléculaire » (INC3M Federation). With more than 200 researchers, INC3M meets the requirements for a high quality level of research in the fields of organic synthesis, macromolecules, and medicinal chemistry. LCMT is also a part of two laboratories of excellence : Labex Synorg et Labex EMC³ and of the Carnot Institute Innovation Chimie Carnot (I2C). LCMT is a major player in the field of the molecular and macromolecular chemistry. It participates in national (ANR) and European projects (INTERREG IV, COST). In addition, it has developed various long-term public-private  partnerships with chemical industries and research institutions in France and abroad.

The candidate, specialized in organic chemistry, with a master degree (or equivalent) in organic chemistry. Knowledge or interest in polymer chemistry is required. He/She will be rigorous, motivated, hard-worker, autonomous and he/she will have a very good ability to work within team and a very good ability to communicate. Strong oral and written communication skills in English, and French (for French speaking candidates) are requested. The candidate has to be motivated by the challenge of the project.