From the physicochemistry of materials to industrial applications
The Interfaces department brings together physical chemists and sensor specialists, experts in the reactivity of solid/gas, solid/liquid, and solid/solid interfaces. Research focuses on adsorption, transport, electrochemistry, as well as mechanisms of dissolution, nucleation/growth, and solidification.
The study of interfaces combines experiments and simulations across all scales. Techniques employed include adsorption measurements, spectroscopy (IR, X-ray), calorimetry, rheometry, chemical analysis, and local methods such as surface analysis (XPS, AES, SIMS), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and imaging (AFM, SEM, TEM, STM). Simulations use various approaches (ab initio, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, FEM) for multiscale studies.
Applications cover waste management, coatings, cements, corrosion, nanomaterial synthesis, and microwave sensors. Research areas include adsorption and microporous materials, the reactivity of cementitious and colloidal materials, electrochemistry applied to corrosion and microsystems, microwave applications for nanomaterials and sensors, and (ultra)thin films of metal oxides.
The department also hosts a Chemical Analysis Center (CAC), providing a wide range of analytical services to the scientific and industrial communities.
Research topics
Adsorption and Microporous Materials
The research activities of the ASP team (Adsorption on Porous Solids) focus on the development of porous solids and the study of gas/solid or liquid/solid interfacial phenomena to understand physicochemical mechanisms at the molecular scale. Currently, three research axes can be distinguished:
Reactivity of various types of porous solids (zeolites, MOFs, silicas…) in gaseous or liquid phases.
Expertise: Measurement of adsorption isotherms and isobars under static conditions; determination of diffusion parameters under dynamic conditions (breakthrough curves); co-adsorption measurements in both static and dynamic modes.
Applications: Gas adsorption and separation (including cryogenic conditions below 77.4 K); pollution control in gas or liquid phases; VOC capture.
Synthesis, characterization, and surface chemistry control of mesoporous and microporous materials.
Expertise: Formulation of micro- and mesoporous nanoparticles; surface modification via co-condensation or post-grafting; characterization of the colloidal properties of nanoparticles.
Applications: Nanoparticles for theranostics (therapy + diagnosis); modified mesoporous silicas for separation or pollution control.
Molecular modeling for understanding adsorption processes, interactions of small molecules with ice, formation of clathrates and porous solids, and solubilization.
Expertise: Monte Carlo methods (GCMC); molecular dynamics; DFT; equilibrium and non-equilibrium approaches; statistical thermodynamics; nanothermodynamics; Kirkwood-Buff integrals; irreversible thermodynamics; adsorption applications in astrochemical contexts.
Applications: Hydrogen isotope separation via adsorption on porous solids; thermodynamic description of clathrate formation; ab initio prediction of liquid/vapor equilibria (including under cryogenic conditions).
Igor.Bezverkhy@ube.fr
Phone +33 3 80 39 60 38
Microwave Studies and Research (GERM)
The research focuses on mastering microwaves to develop metrology tools, high-power applicators, and innovative processes for the fabrication of materials and nanomaterials. The main objectives are:
- Designing high-performance microwave reactors for eco-friendly processes, reducing energy-intensive steps and waste.
Developing innovative microwave sensors and imagers for diverse applications, such as pollutant detection or electromagnetic compatibility.
Didier.Stuerga@ube.fr
Phone +33 3 80 39 61 82
Metal Oxide Surfaces and Interfaces
This research theme is divided into four areas:
Nanostructured thin films: Innovative synthesis of highly porous TiO₂ films using polystyrene templates removed by calcination, yielding inverse opal structures. Incorporation of nanoparticles (Au, Au-Pd) creates nanocomposites that enhance photocatalytic performance through plasmonic effects.
Janus micro-sensors: Development of sensors based on layers sensitive to two metal oxides, in collaboration with FEMTO-ST.
Advanced photocatalysis: Study of redox mechanisms at the atomic scale using model surfaces and DFT calculations, with two main focuses:
Multilayer hybrid materials for optimized charge transfer.
Epitaxial oxide/oxide heterojunctions for synergy and durability.
Characterization and simulation: In-depth analysis using microscopy, spectroscopy (Raman, photoemission), electron tomography, and innovative couplings (electrochemistry/spectroscopy, DFT).
Bruno.Domenichini@ube.fr
Phone +33 3 80 39 39 40
Cementitious and Colloidal Media
Research focuses on the reactivity and properties of mineral binders to understand and control their hydration and setting processes.
The studies primarily concern construction materials, especially Portland cement concrete, the most widely used material in the world. Hydration involves the physicochemical processes linked to the dissolution of cement components in water, followed by the formation and maturation of hydrated phases responsible for the cohesion of concrete.
Setting, unique to cement, results from the chemical evolution and aggregation of nanometric hydrates. These interactions also determine the rheology of fresh cement and can be modulated by admixtures such as superplasticizers, accelerators, or retarders.
These processes are analyzed at both macro- and microscopic scales using experimental and simulation approaches, tailored to the complexity of the systems studied (multiphase solids, concentrated alkaline solutions). This method, combining controlled experimental models with theoretical models, is internationally recognized as the “Dijon School”, promoting strong integration into scientific networks.
Christophe.Labbez@ube.fr
Phone +33 3 80 39 39 40
