Profile: Razane Bousnobra, PhD student
Safer batteries thanks to glass: an interview with Razane Bousnobra
At the CERAMATHS laboratory at UPHF, Razane Bousnobra is exploring new solid electrolytes to develop safer lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. We meet a young researcher who is passionate about energy issues.
From Algeria to Le Mans: a journey guided by curiosity
Razane began her career in Algeria, after completing a scientific baccalaureate in natural sciences. She went on to study materials science in Le Mans, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in chemistry before specialising in inorganic materials chemistry.
It was during her first Master’s placement that she discovered the world of batteries, whilst working on positive and negative electrodes. She saw this as a field that addresses today’s energy challenges. Her second-year Master’s placement, spent over six months working on battery electrolytes, confirmed her interest. “Discovering how batteries work really fascinated me.” She then chose to focus her thesis on lithium-ion and sodium-ion technologies.
Replace the liquid with glass
Today, most batteries use a liquid electrolyte consisting of a salt dissolved in an organic solvent. Whilst effective, this solution nevertheless presents risks: the liquid may be flammable and could leak. This is one of the limitations that Razane’s research aims to address.
Her PhD research focuses on sulphur-based glassy solid electrolytes containing lithium or sodium. These materials show great promise as replacements for liquid electrolytes, particularly due to their high ionic conductivity. However, they have one major drawback: their high sensitivity to moisture.
To overcome this, Razane is exploring two avenues. The first involves incorporating a silicate matrix, known for its chemical and thermal stability. The second aims to develop oxysulphide glasses, in order to combine the conductive properties of sulphides with the stability of oxides. The development of synthesis protocols for these various lithium- and sodium-doped glasses will constitute an important stage of her PhD research.
Diagram of a lithium-ion battery being charged
Lithium or sodium: why choose?
Razane is working on both technologies, each of which has its own advantages. Sodium, which is more abundant and generally less expensive, is an attractive alternative to lithium, whose resources are more limited. Sodium-ion batteries are, in fact, beginning to be produced on an industrial scale, notably by a start-up based in Amiens (TIAMAT).
Lithium-ion, for its part, remains a mature technology that is also worth investigating. This two-pronged approach thus builds on the experience Razane gained during her work placement focusing on sodium batteries.
A PhD thesis jointly supervised by CERAMATHS and LPCA
Razane’s PhD research forms part of a collaboration between CERAMATHS, a laboratory at the UPHF, and the LPCA – the Laboratory of Atmospheric Physical Chemistry in Dunkirk. For the time being, she is focusing on the synthesis of materials at CERAMATHS. The project then plans to carry out electrochemical tests at the Dunkirk laboratory, which has the appropriate equipment.
Two synthesis methods are being studied and compared with a view to developing solid electrolytes that are both conductive and more stable in the presence of moisture – a crucial step towards safer and more efficient solid-state batteries.
‘It’s curiosity that will carry you through the next three years’
Razane BousnobraWhat motivates me is the prospect of contributing to safer and more sustainable energy storage. Batteries are everywhere: phones, computers, cars… For me, the key is to improve safety.
To young people who are hesitant about pursuing a career in materials chemistry research – and particularly to young women – I’d advise taking the time to find a topic that truly fascinates you. “It’s curiosity that will carry you through the next three years.”
The choice of work placements also plays an important role in the decision to go on to do a PhD. Even if you don’t always have the opportunity to work on a topic close to your heart, enjoying research during a work placement can make you want to continue along that path.