Electrical and Mechanical Characterization of Nanocomposite Structures - Post-Doctorate (M/F)

About this position

The selected candidate will perform mechanical, electrical, and microstructural characterizations of nanocomposite films (Cu₂O nanowires in a CuCrO₂ matrix). These combined characterizations, which explore both the macro-scale (tensile testing) and the micro- and nano-scales (nanoindentation, AFM), will be conducted at the SIMaP laboratory.

This mission is part of a project supported by the ANR (AAPG2023 “Nanocomposite” project, led by J.-L. Deschanvres at the LMGP). The “Nanocomposite” project aims to synthesize, optimize, and characterize Cu₂O/CuCrO₂ nanocomposites in the form of thin films on flexible substrates.

The Cu₂O nanowire arrays are prepared using soft chemistry (Fehling's reaction), and the CuCrO₂ matrix is obtained via MOCVD deposition. These nanocomposites are deposited onto flexible substrates (Kapton). A PhD student (currently in progress at the LMGP) is developing and optimizing the operating conditions for this synthesis to control the geometry of the nanowires, the density and connectivity of the networks, coverage, etc.

The present project will focus on the coupled mechanical/electrical characterization of nanocomposites synthetized at the LMGP. Several experimental setups developed at SIMaP enable in-situ measurement of the electrical response of systems subjected to mechanical stresses/strains:

• At the macro-scale (cm–mm), a mechanical tensile test system coupled with electrical measurements allows for monitoring the overall response of the nanocomposite to macroscopic deformation. Since this setup can be integrated into an SEM, it enables the visualization of the microstructural changes in the nanocomposites during testing.
• At the micro-nano-scales (10µm-10nm), a nanoindenter has been functionalized to perform various electrical measurements (DC or AC) during an indentation test. This instrument can also be integrated into a SEM, thereby allowing for optimal positioning of the electromechanical indent. Finally, an AFM equipped with various electrical characterization modes (HDKFM, Resiscope, etc.) will enable the completion of local electrical measurements at sub-micrometer scales.

For the most part, the samples to be characterized during this assignment will have already been synthesized by the team at the LMGP. However, visits to the LMGP will allow the recruited candidate to gain a thorough understanding of this synthesis process in order to better analyze his/her own characterizations.

Some experimental methodologies for all of these combined characterizations have already been explored, but they still need to be developed and optimized.

The recruited candidate will actively participate in communicating their results through the publication of articles, seminars, and conferences.

Laboratories:

This project is funded by the ANR and brings together three Grenoble-based laboratories: LMGP, SIMaP, and CROMA.

• LMGP (Laboratory of Materials and Physical Engineering): develops functional materials for applications in microelectronics, energy, and healthcare. With about 50 permanent staff (researchers, faculty, engineers, technicians, administrative personnel) and around 60 non-permanent students and researchers annually, LMGP provides a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment.
• SIMaP (Science and Engineering of Materials and Processes): a joint research unit affiliated with Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble INP, and CNRS. It focuses on relationships between materials, processes, and properties. SIMaP hosts around 200 staff: 60 academics/CNRS researchers, 15 emeritus and collaborators, 42 engineers/technicians/administrative staff, 80 PhD and postdoctoral researchers, plus 30 annual interns. Among its areas of expertise, SIMaP has significant capabilities in instrumental development for materials characterization.
• CROMA (Centre de Radiofréquences, Optique et Micro- et Nanoélectronique des Alpes): a joint research unit (CNRS / Grenoble INP / UGA / Université Savoie Mont Blanc) of 110 staff, heavily involved in research on micro- and nanoelectronics, microphotonics, microsystems, microwaves, and opto-microwaves.

For physico-chemical characterization, LMGP and SIMaP also rely on the CMTC (Consortium Technologique des Moyens Communs) platform.

The recruited candidate will work at SIMaP for characterization and at LMGP for nanocomposite synthesis.

Collaborators:

Direct scientific collaborators on the project are Fabien Volpi at SIMaP and Jean-Luc Deschanvres/Céline Ternon at LMGP. The candidate will report directly to Fabien Volpi (SIMaP).

Other information:

The position falls under a sector governed by the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) and therefore requires prior authorization from the competent authority of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR).

Partial reimbursement of transportation costs (bike, public transport) will be provided.