My research lies at the interface of solid-state chemistry, materials science, and electrochemistry, with the overarching objective of developing more efficient, durable, and sustainable electrochemical energy storage technologies.

My approach combines the rational design of electrode materials, a detailed understanding of their structural and chemical properties, and the investigation of their electrochemical behavior under operating conditions.

1. Design and Synthesis of Advanced Electrode Materials

The development of high-performance electrochemical energy storage systems requires electrode materials with carefully controlled chemical composition, crystal structure, morphology, and surface properties.

My research focuses on the synthesis and optimization of positive electrode materials for sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries, including polyanionic compounds, phosphate-fluorides, layered oxides, and other transition-metal-based materials.

Particular attention is devoted to innovative synthesis strategies, including ionothermal synthesis, deep eutectic solvents, and topochemical reactions, which offer opportunities to access original compositions, particle morphologies, and surface chemistries.

By establishing relationships between synthesis conditions, structural properties, and electrochemical behavior, I aim to identify strategies for improving energy density, rate capability, and cycling stability.

2. Understanding Electrochemical Reaction Mechanisms

Beyond improving electrochemical performance, understanding the fundamental mechanisms governing charge storage is essential for the rational design of advanced electrode materials.

My research investigates the structural, chemical, and electrochemical transformations occurring during battery cycling, including redox processes, phase transitions, ion transport, and degradation phenomena.

To address these questions, I combine laboratory-based characterization with advanced synchrotron techniques, including X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, as well as complementary spectroscopic methods.

Particular emphasis is placed on in situ and operando approaches, including the development and application of operando Raman spectroscopy, to investigate material evolution under realistic electrochemical conditions.

These studies help establish a detailed understanding of the relationships between crystal chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and electrochemical performance.

3. Direct Recycling and Regeneration of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The rapid expansion of lithium-ion battery technologies creates an urgent need for efficient and sustainable recycling strategies.

Since 2021, I have been developing research activities on battery recycling at ICMCB in collaboration with Gilles Philippot and Cyril Aymonier, with a particular focus on direct recycling approaches.

Unlike conventional recycling routes that break down electrode materials into their constituent elements, direct recycling aims to preserve the structural and functional properties of valuable battery components, enabling their reuse with limited additional processing.

Our research explores innovative fluid-assisted processes, particularly pressurized CO₂-based technologies, for the selective delamination and recovery of electrode materials from battery manufacturing scraps and end-of-life batteries.

A key aspect of my contribution is evaluating how recycling conditions affect the composition, crystal structure, surface chemistry, and electrochemical performance of recovered materials.

The ultimate objective is to develop recycling strategies that combine material recovery efficiency, electrochemical performance, and environmental sustainability.

4. Beyond Conventional Li-Ion and Na-Ion Batteries

My research also extends to alternative electrochemical energy storage systems, including aqueous sodium-ion batteries, hybrid supercapacitors, and solid-state batteries.

These activities involve the development of innovative electrode compositions, composite materials, and functional interfaces, often through interdisciplinary collaborations.

Together, these research directions contribute to a broader understanding of electrochemical energy storage and the development of next-generation sustainable battery technologies.