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Converting hydrogen (H2) into ammonia (NH3) is a viable solution for making its storage and transportation less hazardous. In view of current policies - which aim to make France one of the world's leading producers of H2, a potentially decarbonized strategic energy of the future - the storage and transport of NH3 is set to intensify. However, 8-hour exposure to just 25 ppm NH3 is hazardous to health. Moreover, the presence of high concentrations of ammonia in the blood indicates liver dysfunction. On-site, instantaneous detection of NH3 gas leaks and NH3 dissolved in the liquid phase at very low concentrations (ppm) using low-cost sensors is therefore a major challenge for meeting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 7, namely "Good health and well-being" and "Affordable and clean energy".

This thesis will explore the use of organic transistors to detect low concentrations of ammonia (ppm) in gaseous and liquid forms. Two types of device will be developed and characterized: organic field-effect transistors for gaseous ammonia detection, and organic electrochemical transistors for liquid-phase detection. The detection limits, selectivity and sensitivity of these two types of organic sensors will be quantified. A detection limit of less than 10 ppm is one of the objectives. In addition, the stability of these organic transistors under conditions simulating real-life use will be studied. The successful student will have a sound knowledge of electronic component characterization and a keen interest in experimental science. A multi-disciplinary profile with skills in materials physics and electrochemistry will be sought. Communication skills and an appetite for teamwork will also be appreciated, in order to interact effectively with the project's chemists, physical chemists and physicists.

Applicants should send a motivation letter + CV to patrick.leveque[at]unistra.fr

Conjugated polymers are today the focus of intense research for their application in organic electronics, and in particular the realization of lightweight, flexible and low-cost devices. Good conduction properties arise from the self-assembly of π-conjugated polymers, achieved by microsegregation between conjugated polymer backbones and the presence of flexible side chains [1]. The addition of doping molecules to these polymers considerably amplifies the electrical conductivity of these systems [2]. However, it was observed that the insertion of dopants was to the detriment of the structural order of the solid-state polymer self-assembly, with poor control of dopant localization.

The PhD project offer is multidisciplinary and consists of synthesizing new high-performance π-conjugated polymers for doping. The molecular engineering work involves tailoring the side chains to (i) control the position of the dopant and (ii) stabilize the organization of the polymers in the solid state as thin films. Two applications in particular are targeted: electrochemical organic transistors [2] and thermoelectric devices [3,4].

The task will consist essentially on the synthesis of organic conjugated systems and on polymerization. If interested, the candidate could also participate in the characterization of the physicochemical, electrical and charge transport properties in collaboration with other teams involved in the project (all located on the same campus). Indeed, this research will be carried out as part of a project funded by the ANR, which also involves specialists in structure and device elaboration.

The candidate should be highly motivated with a good experience in organic synthesis of conjugated systems. Experience in polymers is an advantage. He/her should be a team player, show initiative and be open-minded with an enquiring mind.

Applicants should send a motivation letter + CV to

Stéphane Méry (mery[at]ipcms.unistra.fr) and Nicolas Leclerc (leclercn[at]unistra.fr)