Photoactive Derivatives of Cu(I) Ion for Reversible Energy Storage ///Dérivés photoactifs de l’ion Cu(I) pour le stockage réversible de l’énergie

This work will focus on the preparation and the study of the solid-state photoactive and thermal properties of novel polymetallic Cu(I) molecular assemblies. These derivatives will enable the molecular-scale storage of chemical and/or light energy through reversible coordination bond formations or photochemical reactions, allowing the subsequent release of energy. Based on synthetic approaches mastered in the group,[1] that are straightforward to implement, Cu(I) based derivatives with tunable molecular architectures and properties will be prepared. The newly prepared compounds, before and after energy captation, will be characterized using various techniques such as powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, NMR, UV-Vis, and IR spectroscopy. The temperature-dependent photophysical properties (emission spectra, quantum yield measurements, and excited-state lifetimes) of the emissive materials obtained will be studied in the solid state, allowing to elucidate the electronic structure of the synthesized species in both their ground and excited states. Extensive thermogravimetric analysis measurements will be carried out to quantify the amounts of energy stored and to study and rationalize the reversibility of the energy storage processus.

The candidate will join the INSA component of the Solid State Chemistry and Materials team at the Institute of Chemical Sciences of Rennes. More information can be found at: https://iscr-csm.insa-rennes.fr/members/ More specifically, in addition to the supervision of the thesis director, the doctoral student will be accompanied by an INSA assistant professor, particularly in conducting photophysical measurements. A description of the equipment accessible to laboratory members is available at: https://iscr-csm.insa-rennes.fr/lab-facilities/. These devices are generally available for doctoral student studies. The entire instrumental park of the Institute of Chemical Sciences of Rennes (https://iscr.univ-rennes.fr/facilities-equipment), including NMR spectrometers and single-crystal X-ray diffractometers, is also accessible depending on the needs associated with the development of the thesis work.

The candidate should have a master degree in Chemistry. He should have skills in coordination chemistry, supramolecular or organic chemistry as well as in the use of classical analytical techniques (NMR, UV-vis, IR, etc.). A strong interest in solid-state characterization such as X-ray crystal structure resolution and solid-state photophysical studies is also required. Skills in shaping molecular materials in polymer matrices would also be appreciated, as well as a good level in English language.