Surface engineering of carbon nanotubes towards the development of metal free catalytic surfaces

Water splitting, which involves hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), is a promising technology for developing new energy technologies that address the fossil fuel crisis and environmental pollution. Achieving efficient and stable electrocatalysts, along with a fundamental understanding of their properties, remains a significant challenge. In the fields of materials science, surface functionalization and electrocatalysis are pivotal concepts driving advancements in energy conversion and storage technologies.

The PhD proposal focuses on surface functionalization to develop innovative interfaces with tailored properties. The primary goal is to investigate the covalent attachment of positively or negatively charged molecules containing heteroatoms (such as nitrogen, sulfur, or phosphorus) to carbon nanotubes (CNTs). To understand the role of the organic layer, conventional and deep eutectic solvents (DES) will be used as media for functionalization, enabling precise control over layer thickness. Comprehensive characterization of the functionalized CNTs will be conducted to assess their chemical composition, grafting density, thickness, and electron transfer properties. Ultimately, these metal-free systems will be tested as electrocatalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER). The study will assess influence of heteroatoms, electrostatic interactions, and film thickness on catalytic performance and stability.

Le laboratoire Interfaces Traitements Organisation et DYnamique des Systèmes – ITODYS, UMR7086 est une unité mixte de l'Université Paris Cité et du CNRS (UMR 7086).  Le laboratoire développe des activités de recherche autour de la chimie de surface, des interfaces, des nanomatériaux et nanosystèmes et de la chimie moléculaire pour les nanosciences. Le large spectre thématique explore différents aspects de la chimie-physique des molécules, nanosystèmes et nanomatériaux. Le laboratoire dispose d'un parc d'équipements pour la caractérisation des matériaux, des surfaces et nano-systèmes (MEB, AFM, XPS, diffractométrie X, Raman, IR, SECM, GC-MS, RMN..).

https://itodys.u-paris.fr 

The PhD candidate should have strong knowledge in surface science and electrochemistry. Background in surface functionalization/characterization and nanoscience would be an advantage.