Our fundamental research activity in the field of molecular complexes with reductive and oxidative properties focuses on the interaction between transition metal chemistry and the chemistry of heteroelements from groups 13 to 15, such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and boron. We use our expertise to tune the redox and photophysical properties of photosensitive metals through the electronic properties of heteroelements, thereby generating complexes with unique characteristics.

Our work involves the design, synthesis, and evaluation of photosensitive molecular complexes with reductive and oxidative properties. These compounds serve as fundamental building blocks for the construction of hybrid materials with remarkable electrochemical properties, through association with inorganic matrices such as metallic nanoparticles or inorganic oxides of the aluminosilicate type. These hybrid materials can act as electron reservoir–distributors, which we test for multielectronic chemical transformations such as water splitting.

All our studies are carried out in collaboration with theoretical chemists, in order to gain a deeper understanding of the various processes we observe experimentally.

Example 2 :

Our research activities in nanocatalysis integrate the principles of green chemistry and sustainable development. They aim to develop innovative nanometric catalytic systems, precisely defined and exhibiting relevant catalytic properties in terms of activity and selectivity, while ensuring adequate stability to allow recycling without loss of performance.

Catalytic studies are conducted using species in solution or supported systems, under mild temperature and pressure conditions whenever possible. Among our objectives is the development of catalysts for hydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, dehydrogenation, hydroformylation, and other key reactions. Some systems are being developed for biomass valorization (e.g., lignin model molecules, furfural) into platform molecules or synthetic fuels. Collaborations with theoretical chemists allow us to better understand the reaction mechanisms involved.

These projects are conducted in collaboration with:

• In Toulouse: LPCNO (theoretical chemistry), CIRIMAT (XPS)
• In Spain: Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB); Centro Mixto CSIC–Universidad de Sevilla
• In Denmark: Technical University of Denmark (DTU, Lyngby)
• In Singapore: National University of Singapore (NUS)

Nanoparticles and Energy

Towards new nanometric catalysts for hydrogen production by water electrolysis/photolysis and fuel cells.

Ru-based nanoparticles in carbon nanotubes for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution: structural and electronic effects, N. Romero, D. A. Fenoll, L. Gil, S. Campos, J. Creus, G. Martí, J. Heras-Domingo, V. Collière, C. A. Mesa, S. Giménez, L. Francàs, L. Rodríguez-Santiago, X. Solans-Monfort, M. Sodupe, R. Bofill, K. Philippot, J. García-Antón, X. Sala, Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023,10, 5885-5896 (doi.org/10.1039/D3QI00698K).

For photocatalysis applications,

we are developing nanohybrids that combine nanoparticles with complexes of the type [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, capable of harvesting light energy to activate the reaction. These complexes are functionalized to have a solid interaction with the nanoparticles.

Covalent grafting of ruthenium complexes on iron oxide nanoparticles: hybrid materials for photocatalytic water oxidation, Q. T. Nguyen, E. Rousset, V.T.H. Nguyen, V. Colliere, P. Lecante, W. Klysubun, K. Philippot, J. Esvan, M. Respaud, G. Lemercier, C. Amiens, P. D. Tran, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2021, 13, 4(45) 53829-53840. (doi.org/10.1021/acsami.1c15051).

In the fuel cells field,

the targeted reactions are methanol electrooxidation or oxygen reduction.

Improved methanol electro-oxidation reaction on PdRh-PVP/C electrodes, G. Zacahua-Tlacuatl, E. Ramírez-Meneses, A. Manzo-Robledo, A.M. Torres-Huerta, I. Betancourt, K. Philippot, M. Ibrahim, M.A. Domínguez-Crespo, Int. J. Hydrogen Energy 2023, 48, 23, 8450-8464 (doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.11.169).

These projects are conducted in collaboration with:

• In Toulouse: LPCNO (theoretical studies)

• In Montpellier: ICGM (water electrolysis and fuel cells)

• In Paris: SAFRAN (fuel cells)

• In Reims: University of Reims (functionalized complexes of the type [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺)

• In Spain: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (HER and OER by electrolysis and photocatalysis; theoretical studies)

• In Mexico: Universidad Iberoamericana (fuel cells)

• In Vietnam: University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (OER photocatalysis)

Molecular Complexes for Energy Transition

Hydrogen Storage and Release

Our fundamental research activity focuses on the molecular chemistry of transition metals and the chemistry of heteroelements from groups 13 to 15, such as phosphorus, boron, and silicon. Our contribution to the energy transition aims to leverage our expertise to address current challenges in the development of renewable energies.

Our work involves the design, synthesis, and evaluation of molecular complexes for catalytic hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. The targeted goal is the storage and release of hydrogen via an organic liquid carrier (formic acid, methanol) for potential large-scale industrial applications.

Example 2 :

Collaborations on this topic include:

• In Rennes: Cédric Fischmeister, Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes, UMR 6226, Université de Rennes
• In Pau: Jean-Marc Sotiropoulos, Philippe Carbonnière, CNRS/Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l’Environnement et les Matériaux, UMR CNRS 525

Nanoparticles and CO₂ Valorization

The valorization of CO₂ as a C₁ synthon is one of the strategies explored to help reduce this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Nanostructured materials can catalyze the transformation of CO₂ into platform molecules for fine chemistry or hydrogen storage (formic acid), as well as synthetic fuels.

Our research activity focuses on the development of nanocatalysts based on metals that are more abundant than the noble metals traditionally used in this field, in the form of monometallic or bimetallic systems, either composite or supported.

Nanoparticles for health

The case of contrast agents in medical imaging.

Our research activities focus on the design, synthesis and evaluation of hybrid nanoparticles as single or dual mode imaging platforms, potentially targeted.

Examples

• Faraday Discuss., 2014, 175, 97-111, doi.org/10.1039/C4FD00105B
• Molecules, special issue on Nanomaterials for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy, 2019, 24(24), 4629, doi.org/10.3390/molecules24244629 ; New J. Chem., 2020, 44, 18031 – 18047, doi.org/10.1039/D0NJ04430J ; Bioconjugate Chem., 2022, 33(5), 881–891, doi.org/10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00116 ; Molecules, 2024, 29 (7), 1537/1-65, doi.org/10.3390/molecules29071537

New J. Chem., 2020, 44, 18031 – 18047, doi.org/10.1039/D0NJ04430J