LCC CNRS Toulouse

LCC Young Investigator Seminar 2026

Evelyne PREVOTS — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:13:02 +0000

LCC Young Investigator Seminar 2026

LCC

Friday March, 20

This seminar is dedicated to the non-permanent researchers of the whole Laboratory. It is a great opportunity given to non-permanent researchers to publicize their activity in the different thematic areas of the Laboratory. It also offers a privileged moment of networking outside the usual team organization, for additional support and socialization.

This seminar day is traditionnaly opened by a honour guest. This year, we have the pleasure to welcome Pr. Anna Proust (IPCM, Sorbonne University) who will let us know more about the research performed in her group ( https://ipcm.fr/en/en-research/en-presentation-e-pom-group/en-e-pom-group-members/en-anna-proust/).

All participants are invited to contribute with a poster and/or an oral communication about their scientific research. The deadline for registration on our website (https://www.billetweb.fr/lcc-young-investigators-seminar-2026-edition) is Saturday evening, February 28, 2026.

Organizing committee
Nicolas QUEYRIAUX – Laurent SABATER – Andrea ORELLANA BEN AMOR – Perrine LAMBERT

Venue : LCC Gallais room
Welcome coffee at 9 a.m.

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LCC CNRS

Laboratoire de chimie de coordination du CNRS

205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099
31077 Toulouse cedex 4
France

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+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Contact

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Induction ceremony of Rinaldo Poli at Academia Europaea

Evelyne PREVOTS — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:30:03 +0000

Induction ceremony of Rinaldo Poli at Academia Europaea

LCC

The induction ceremony of Rinaldo Poli, Senior lecturer of the Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry (LCC Toulouse), as a member of the Academia Europaea in the Chemical Sciences section, took place on October 15, 2025, in Barcelona.

The Academia Europaea was established in 1988 and is the Pan-European Academy of Sciences Humanities and Letters.

The object of Academia Europaea is the advancement and propagation of excellence in scholarship in the humanities, law, the economic, social, and political sciences, mathematics, medicine, and all branches of natural and technological sciences anywhere in the world for the public benefit and for the advancement of the education of the public of all ages in the aforesaid subjects in Europe.

Academia Europaea is a European, non-governmental association acting as an Academy. Our members are scientists and scholars who collectively aim to promote learning, education and research. Founded in 1988, with more than 5000 members which includes leading experts from the physical sciences and technology, biological sciences and medicine, mathematics, the letters and humanities, social and cognitive sciences, economics and the law.

Contact:

Rinaldo Poli : rinaldo.poli(at)lcc-toulouse.fr

Induction ceremony of Rinaldo Poli in the presence of Donald Dingwell (President of the Academy) – on the left, and Éva Kondorosi (President of Section C of the Academy, ‘Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’) – on the right.

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LCC CNRS

Laboratoire de chimie de coordination du CNRS

205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099
31077 Toulouse cedex 4
France



+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Contact

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Kevin ANTRAYGUES Awarded the Rising Star “Research” Prize by the Toulouse Faculty of Health

Evelyne PREVOTS — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 22:56:31 +0000

Kevin ANTRAYGUES Awarded the Rising Star “Research” Prize by the Toulouse Faculty of Health

LCC

Kevin Antraygues Awarded the Rising Star ‘Research’ Prize by Toulouse Faculty of Health
January 13, 2026

The Toulouse Faculty of Health hosted the inaugural Rising Star Awards Ceremony, celebrating academic excellence, pedagogical innovation, and student engagement. The event took place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

This first edition of the Rising Star Awards highlighted collective intelligence and commitment to health. Hosted by Fabrice Muscari, Dean of the Faculty of Health, the ceremony was attended by Odile Rauzy, President of the University of Toulouse, and Fabien Pelous, former international rugby player and sponsor of the 2026 edition.

The Rising Star Awards embody the core values of the Faculty of Health: excellence in education, innovative research, and strong societal engagement, recognizing initiatives that contribute to the future of healthcare.

Kevin Antraygues, an Associate Professor, conducts his research within the Team M “Dendrimers and small therapeutic molecules” at the Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry (LCC). His research focuses on the synthesis of antibiotic-siderophore hybrids to combat Gram-negative bacterial infections. He was awarded the “Research” Prize, which aims to foster scientific innovation. This prize honors young researchers for the quality and impact of their work.

Kevin ANTRAYGUES (center) receives the ‘Rising Star’ Award from the Toulouse Faculty of Health

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LCC CNRS

Laboratoire de chimie de coordination du CNRS

205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099
31077 Toulouse cedex 4
France

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+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Contact

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[Ru-NO] complexes: Nano-structuration and shaping

Evelyne PREVOTS — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:21:30 +0000

[Ru-NO] complexes: Nano-structuration and shaping

LCC

Back to team R

The use of RuNO complexes in biological tissues raises the delicate question of their form (molecules dispersed in solution, grafted onto nanoparticles, dendrimers or polymers, inserted into micellar structures, etc.). Obtaining these objects offers several advantages because, unlike isolated molecules in solution that can only penetrate cells by diffusion, these objects can be captured by cells through much more efficient mechanisms (e.g., phagocytosis), which lead to a double effect:

increased penetration of NO carriers,
photo-release of multiple NO units present in the carrier particle.

Nanoparticles of ruthenium nitrosyl

(Chem. Phys. Lett., 2023, 818, 140434)

We have shown that it is possible to obtain nanoscale aggregates of the trans(Cl,Cl)-[RuFTCl₂NO]PF₆ complex by controlled precipitation in aqueous solution (Figure 1). The average diameter of the nanoparticles depends on experimental conditions, in particular the rate at which the RuNO complex solution is added to the aqueous phase. The quantum yield of photorelease (Φ_NO) of the nano-aggregates is around 0.12 (irradiation at 365 or 400 nm). It is independent of their size and state of dispersion. The quantum yield of the nanoparticles is very similar to that of the same complex as isolated molecules in solution. These molecular nano-objects can therefore be considered as a nano-platform for NO release for antibacterial activity.

Figure 1: AFM image of nanoparticles of the trans(Cl,Cl)-[RuFTCl₂NO]PF₆ complex in water (mean diameter: 16 nm)

Ruthenium nitrosyl complexes embedded in hydrogels

(New J. Chem., 2024, 48, 8343)

A hydrogel is a gel in which the swelling agent is water. Hydrogels derived from Pluronic F127 (PL) are capable of spontaneously forming micelles in water. Their organization leads to the formation of a gel in the 20-40°C range, which is compatible with medical applications. Although perfectly biocompatible and non-toxic, they suffer from poor mechanical strength. This can be greatly improved by adding chitosan (CS), which promotes cross-linking. We used these PL/CS hydrogels as a support for incorporating a RuNO complex.

We incorporated the water-soluble trans(Cl,Cl)-[RuFTCl₂NO]Cl complex into PL/CS hydrogels at RuNO concentrations ranging from 13 to 520 µg.g^‒1 without observing any demixing (Figure 2). The hydrogels show a sol-gel transition between 35 and 40°C depending on the RuNO complex content (35°C for the hydrogel without RuNO). It is therefore little affected by the incorporation and concentration of the complex, which makes it suitable for cutaneous applications. Under irradiation at 400 nm and at physiological temperature (37°C), PL/CS/RuNO hybrid hydrogels are capable of releasing nitric oxide, as demonstrated by electron paramagnetic resonance (Figure 3) and electrochemical detection (NO- sensor). The quantum yield of of photorelease (Φ_NO) is 0.014 (at 37°C for irradiation at 400 nm).

Figure 2: AFM image of a PL/CS hydrogel incorporating the trans(Cl,Cl)-[RuFTCl₂NO]Cl complex (13 µg.g^‒1)

Figure 3: EPR spectra for a PL/CS hydrogel incorporating the trans(Cl,Cl)-[RuFTCl₂NO]Cl complex (13 µg.g^‒1)

Platinum nanoparticles functionalized by a ruthenium nitrosyl complex

Graphene or group 12 metal sulfide quantum dots functionalized with RuNO complexes are well described in the literature. However, to our knowledge, the functionalization of metal nanoparticles with a RuNO complex has not yet been described.

We have prepared the first metal nanoparticles functionalized with a ruthenium nitrosyl derivative. Platinum nanoparticles with the general formula Pt_x(CO)_y(CH₃CN)_z, synthesized by Simon Tricard’s team at the LPCNO in Toulouse, were dispersed in acetonitrile and mixed with the trans(Cl,Cl)-[RuTTCl₂NO]PF₆ complex (Figure 4).

The substitution of some CH₃CN and/or CO ligands by the thiophene group of the terpyridine ligand of the RuNO complex was evidenced by infrared spectroscopy. The functionalized platinum nanoparticles, with the postulated formula Pt_x’(CO)_y’(CH₃CN)_z’(RuNO)_t, form aggregates in which the size of the individual particles is 1 to 3 nm (Figure 5).

Current-voltage characteristics of the nanoparticles show greater Coulomb blocking than PPt_x(CO)_y(CH₃CN)_z, consistent with the introduction of an additional molecular barrier at the interface and a reduction in electronic coupling between adjacent nanoparticles. Finally, EPR evidences the photo-release of NO under 365 nm irradiation for Pt_x’(CO)_y’(CH₃CN)_z’(RuNO)_t nano-objects. We are currently studying the possible influence of plasmon excitation on the efficiency of nitrogen monoxide release in solution.

Figure 4 : Molecular formula for trans(Cl,Cl)-[RuTTCl₂NO]PF₆

Figure 5 : TEM image of platinum nanoparticles functionalized by the trans(Cl,Cl)-[RuTTCl₂NO]PF₆

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LCC CNRS

Laboratoire de chimie de coordination du CNRS

205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099
31077 Toulouse cedex 4
France

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+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Contact

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Mechanochemistry for conquering the impossible

Evelyne PREVOTS — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:56:12 +0000

Mechanochemistry for conquering the impossible

LCC

Back to team R

Since the 2000’s a lot of regulations for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries have appeared especially in terms of efficiency, waste management and energy input. All these issues are now addressed and termed « Green Chemistry » a multifaceted field dealing with what we call the twelve principles of P. T. Anastas and J. C. Warner. Most important of them are: atom economy, preventing the use of solvents volatile and/or toxic, minimize chemical waste and minimize energy. By focusing on the Green Chemistry reactions, the alternative energy sources that appeared and developed are: photochemistry through light excitation, microwave, sonochemistry irradiation, and mechanochemistry.

According to IUPAC, a mechanochemical reaction is a “Chemical reaction that is induced by the direct absorption of mechanical energy”. Wilhelm Ostwald (Nobel Prize in 1909), was the first who mentioned the term “Mechanochemistry” and defined it as a “branch of chemistry which is concerned with chemical and physico-chemical changes of substances of all states of aggregation due to the influence of mechanical energy”. In the two last decades, mechanochemistry has been developed considerably in a multitude of areas such as: inorganic compounds and metal complexes synthesis, catalysis, polymers, nanomaterials, and organic synthesis used for creating carbon-carbon, carbon-heteroatom, metal-ligand coordination bonds. It is important to point out also the many efforts developed towards mechanistic level understanding of mechanochemical processes and the possible links between the mechanical effect and the action of the forces generated at the molecular level.

The “mechanochemistry programme” of the team has been initiated in 2012 and developed two important aspects: (a) fundamental mechanistic studies on selected reactions and (b) medicinal mechanochemistry. The projects and research programs in the mechanochemistry field (but also green chemistry approaches through micro-wave activation) that we are currently focused concern:

i) multicomponent reactions namely, Biginelli and domino reactions
ii) synthesis of hydrazones, chalcones, 1,2,4-triazoles and functionalized terpyridines as important families of compounds per se but also through complexation
iii) complexation studies of the ligands with transition metals, namely ruthenium and RuNO complexes
iv) theoretical and spectro-physical studies of all complexes elaborated, especially kinetics of NO photo-release
v) Evaluation of their biological activities and studies of their mechanism of action (antitumoral, antibacterial, antiparasitary)
vi) coupling to nanocarriers for potential applications in bioconjugation and targeted drug delivery.

The two first aspects have been already successfully conducted. Especially, in the near future hydrazones and functionalized terpyridines will be used as ligands for the elaboration of Ruthenium and Ru-NO complexes. This research is part of a European project (compounds with antiparasitary activities) obtained in October 2025 (POCTEFA) that the team coordinates.

Example of a mechanochemical reaction leading to a 2,2’:6,2’’-terpyridine (C1)

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LCC CNRS

Laboratoire de chimie de coordination du CNRS

205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099
31077 Toulouse cedex 4
France

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+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Contact

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[Ru-NO] complexes: Irradiation at 1 photon or at 2 photons

Evelyne PREVOTS — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 10:46:14 +0000

[Ru-NO] complexes: Irradiation at 1 photon or at 2 photons

LCC

Back to team R

The release of NO from [Ru-NO] is regarded as a property of the excited state, following absorption that can be achieved with 1 photon (OPA) or 2 photons (TPA) according to the diagram below:

NO photo-release at 1 photon (OPA, left) or at 2 photons (TPA, right)

While the study of NO release can be characterized very well by OPA in the laboratory, the compounds will need to be irradiated with two photons (TPA) during actual medical applications in biological environments, which involves determining the TPA properties quantified by the molecular cross section (σ_TPA) expressed in Goeppert-Mayer (GM).

1. Monometallic complexes

In these dipolar complexes, optimization of TPA properties aims to increase charge transfer between the electron donor (D) and the nitrosyl acceptor by introducing a conjugated bond on the ligand.

Thus, complex 2, shown below, contains a -C≡C- fragment that increases the D – NO distance. This results in an increase from σ_TPA = 108 GM in reference complex 1 to σ_TPA = 150 GM under 800 nm irradiation. (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 2021, 1670-1684).

2. Polymetallic complexes

The dipolar approach leads to chromophores with limited σ_TPA. Therefore, other systems with more sophisticated electronic properties have been studied. In particular, bimetallic species consisting of two conjugated monometallic subunits, such as complex 3 below:

Bimetallic compounds of this type can all be considered electronically pseudo-centrosymmetric. A remarkable point is that their associated σ_TPA greatly exceeds twice that of basic monometallic complexes. Thus, σ_TPA = 1523 GM for 3, under irradiation at 700 nm, which is a record for our bimetallic [Ru-NO] complexes. (Chem. Eur. J. 2022, 28, e202201692, 1-14).

A complete kinetic study was conducted by OPA in acetonitrile, based on the following model:

The model, developed specifically for this study, allows the precise determination of photo-release quantum yields (Φ_NO = moles of NO released / moles of photons absorbed).

The values of Φ_NO are in the range of 0.1%–3% for all irradiation wavelengths (365, 400, 455, 490 nm), with a marked tendency for higher values of Φ_NO in step 1.

(Inorg. Chem. 2024, 63, 7665-7677, Ph.-D. Yael Juarez Martinez).

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LCC CNRS

Laboratoire de chimie de coordination du CNRS

205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099
31077 Toulouse cedex 4
France

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+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Contact

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Molecular Complexes and Heteroelements

Evelyne PREVOTS — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:46:20 +0000

Molecular Complexes and Heteroelements

LCC

Back to team L

Complexes and Heteroelements

Photophysical and Electrochemical Properties

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 1 :

– Anionic phosph(in)ito (″phosphoryl″) ligands : non-classical ″actor″ phosphane-type ligands in coordination chemistry, P. Sutra, A. Igau, Coord. Chem. Rev., 2016, 308, 97-116, doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2015.07.002 ; Can a functionalized phosphine ligand promote room temperature luminescence of the [Ru(bpy)(tpy)]²⁺ core? E. Lebon, S. Bastin, P. Sutra, L. Vendier, R.E. Piau, I.M. Dixon, M. Boggio-Pasqua, F. Alary, J.-L. Heully, A. Igau, A. Juris, Chem. Commun., 2012, 48 741-743 ;doi.org/10.1039/C1CC15737J

These projects are conducted in collaboration with:

In Toulouse: Fabienne Alary, Martial Boggio-Pasqua, Jean-Louis Heully – Laboratoire de Chimie et Physique Quantiques, UMR 5626, IRSAMC, CNRS and University of Toulouse
In Paris: Julien Pilmé – Laboratoire de Chimie Théorique, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC, Université Paris 06, UMR 7616
In Bologna: Alberto Juris – Dipartimento di Chimica “G. Ciamician”, Università di Bologna
In Messina: Fausto Puntoriero, Sebastiano Campagna – Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, University of Messina

a) Modulation of the oxidation properties of ruthenium polypyridine complexes by organophosphorus ligands; b) Modulation of the photophysical properties of ruthenium polypyridine complexes by organophosphorus ligands.

Example 2 :

– When organophosphorus ruthenium complexes covalently bind to ruthenium nanoparticles to form nanoscale hybrid materials, E. Martins Morales, Y. Coppel, P. Lecante, I. del Rosal, R. Poteau, J. Esvan, P. Sutra, K. Philippot, A. Igau, Chem. Commun. 2020, 56, 4059-406, doi.org/10.1039/D0CC00442A.

This work is carried out in collaboration with R. Poteau, Laboratoire de Physique et Chimie des Nano-Objets (LPCNO), Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) in Toulouse.

Hybrid nanomaterial consisting of an organophosphorus ruthenium complex covalently bonded to the surface of a ruthenium nanoparticle.

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LCC CNRS

Laboratoire de chimie de coordination du CNRS

205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099
31077 Toulouse cedex 4
France

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+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Contact

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Nanoparticles and Catalysis

Evelyne PREVOTS — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:45:48 +0000

Nanoparticles and Catalysis

LCC

Back to team L

Nanoparticles and Catalysis

Diversity of Catalytic Systems and Reactions

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.

Example for hydrogenolysis catalysis:

– To promote the selective hydrogenolysis of lignin model molecules, we synthesized rhodium nanoparticles decorated with nickel oxide islands on their surface. These islands partially block the rhodium surface, thus limiting hydrogenation in favor of hydrogenolysis.
(J. Mol. Catal. A: Chem. 2016, 422, 188-197; doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2016.01.014).

Examples for hydrogenation catalysis:

– The synthesis of RuNi nanocatalysts enabled the optimization of selective furfural hydrogenation. This work highlighted the benefits of Ru dilution through Ni association, the Ru/Ni synergy effects, and the influence of solvent nature on selectivity changes.
(Green Chemistry, 2021, 23, 8480-8500 ; doi.org/10.1039/D1GC02154K).

– Colloidal ruthenium nanoparticles appeared as selective catalysts for the hydrogenation of heterocycles at room temperature. Control over activity and chemoselectivity was achieved by varying both the reaction solvent and the stabilizing ligands. Hydrogenation of the carbocycle was obtained with up to 70% selectivity at full conversion.
(Chem. Eur. J. 2024, 30, e202302131, 1-9 ; doi.org/10.1002/chem.202302131).

– Modulation of the oxidation state of nickel nanoparticles dispersed in functionalized ionic liquids allowed either chemoselective hydrogenation (Ni⁰) or transfer hydrogenation (Niᵒˣ) of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.
(ChemCatChem 2024, 16(4), e202301441/1-8; doi.org/10.1002/cctc.202301441).

– The dispersion of rhodium nanoparticles within the micellar cores of cross-linked polymers functionalized with phosphine oxide ligands led to a catalytic system that is active, selective, and reusable for biphasic aqueous hydrogenation of styrene. These nanoreactors also proved applicable to the selective hydrogenation of other substrates, such as alkynes and carbonyl derivatives.
(ChemCatChem 2024, 16(15), e202400189/1-10; doi.org/10.1002/cctc.202400189).

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)

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LCC CNRS

Laboratoire de chimie de coordination du CNRS

205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099
31077 Toulouse cedex 4
France

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+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Contact

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Nanoparticles and Energy

Evelyne PREVOTS — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:45:34 +0000

Nanoparticles and Energy

LCC

Back to team L

Nanoparticles and Energy

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

Nanostructured materials can contribute to the development of new technologies for accessing clean, sustainable, and decarbonized energy sources.

Our activities in this field focus on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of metal or oxide nanoparticles as catalysts for the electrodes of electrolyzers or fuel cells. We also develop hybrid nanomaterials that combine nanoparticles with photoactive complexes for application in photocatalysis.

Among our objectives are the search for alternatives to Pt in catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) or oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), as well as the development of new metal oxides based on more abundant metals (Ru, Co, Fe, etc.) for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In addition to monometallic systems based on Ru, whose surface state can be modulated by the choice of stabilizer, we are developing bimetallic systems to take advantage of a synergistic effect (RuCo, NiFe, NiCu, CuMn, etc.). Deposition of nanostructures on conductive materials allows the production of electrodes. Theoretical studies carried out through partnerships complement well our experimental work.

(a) HER catalyzed by a porous Ru nanomaterial (Chem. Commun. 2017, 53(85), 11713 ; doi.org/10.1039/C7CC05615J); (b) RuNPs stabilized by a phenylpyridine (ACS Catal. 2018, 8, 11094 ; doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.8b03053); (c) a photocathode consisting of RuNPs deposited on carbon fibers (Eur. J. Inorg. Chem. 2019, 2071 ; doi.org/10.1039/D0CY00193G) ; (d) Synthesis of NiFeO_x nanocatalysts from metal-organic precursors for the oxygen evolution reaction (Dalton Trans., 2022, 51, 11457-11466 (doi.org/10.1039/d2dt01370c)

The role of catalyst-support interactions in oxygen evolution anodes based on Co(OH)₂ nanoparticles and carbon microfibers, L. Mallón,N. Romero, A. Jiménez, E. Martin Morales, J. Alemán,R. Mas-Ballesté, R. Bofill, K. Philippot, J. García-Antón, X. Sala, Catal. Sci. Technol., 2020, 10, 4513-4521 (doi.org/10.1039/D0CY00193G).

Ru nanoparticles supported on alginate-derived graphene as hybrid electrodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction, L. Mallón, C. Cerezo-Navarrete, N. Romero, M. Puche, J. García-Antón, R. Bofill, K. Philippot, L. M. Martínez-Prieto, X. Sala, New J Chem., 2022, 46, 49-56 (doi.org/10.1039/D1NJ05215B).

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.

Light-driven water oxidation using hybrid photosensitizer-decorated Co₃O₄nanoparticles, J. De Tovar, N. Romero, S. Denisov, R. Bofill, C. Gimbert-Suriñach, D. Ciuculescu-Pradines, S. Drouet, A. Llobet, P. Lecante, V. Colliere, Z. Freixa, N. McClenaghan, C. Amiens, J. García-Antón, K. Philippot, X. Sala, Materials Today Energy, 2018, 9, 506-515 (doi.org/10.1016/j.mtener.2018.07.008).

TiO₂-mediated visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution by ligand-capped Ru nanoparticles, N. Romero, R. Guerra, L. Gil, S. Drouet, I. Salmeron, O. Illa, K. Philippot, M. Natali, J. García-Antón, X. Sala, Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 2020, 4, 4170-4178 (doi.org/10.1039/D0SE00446D).

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.

Synthesis of Rh nanoparticles in alcohols: magnetic and electrocatalytic properties, E. Ramírez-Meneses, K. Philippot, M.A. Domínguez-Crespo, M. Ibrahim, I. Betancourt, A.M. Torres Huerta, A. Ezeta-Mejia, L. Palacios-Romero, J. Mater. Sci., 2018, 53(12) 8933-8950 (doi.org/10.1007/s10853-018-2221-8).

Pd and Pd@PdO core–shell nanoparticles supported on Vulcan carbon XC-72R: comparison of electroactivity for methanol electro-oxidation reaction, E. Ramírez-Meneses, L.P.A. Guerrero-Ortega, R. Cabrera-Sierra, L.M. Palacios-Romero, K. Philippot, C.R. Santiago-Ramirez, L. Lartundo-Rojas, A. Manzo-Robledo, J. Mater. Sci., 2019, 54, 13694-13714 (doi.org/10.1007/s10853-019-03843-8).

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)

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LCC CNRS

Laboratoire de chimie de coordination du CNRS

205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099
31077 Toulouse cedex 4
France

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Contact

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L’article Nanoparticles and Energy est apparu en premier sur LCC CNRS Toulouse.

Molecular Complexes for Energy Transition

Evelyne PREVOTS — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:55:16 +0000

Molecular Complexes for Energy Transition

LCC

Back to team L

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 1 :

– Shvo-Type Metal−Ligand Cooperative Catalysts: Tethered η5‑Oxocyclohexadienyl Ruthenium Complexes, E. Puig, R. Verron, M. Kechaou-Perrot, L. Vendier, H. Gornitzka, K. Miqueu, J.-M. Sotiropoulos, C. Fischmeister, P. Sutra, A. Igau, Organometallics 2022, 41 (11), 1391-1402 doi.org/10.1021/acs.organomet.2c00123

Example 2 :

– Base-Free Reversible Hydrogen Storage Using a Tethered p‑Coordinated-Phenoxy Ruthenium-Dimer Precatalyst, R. Verron, E. Puig, P. Sutra, A. Igau, C. Fischmeister ACS Catal. 2023, 13, 5787−5794 https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.3c00476 ;

As part of the SinCare-H₂ project (Single Catalyst for Reversible Hydrogen Storage and Release “in/from” Methanol Carrier), we have developed a single catalyst capable of performing several reversible hydrogen storage cycles via formic acid without any additive.

This catalyst exhibits a latency effect, allowing the preparation of a ready-to-use formic acid solution for hydrogen release. This concept is an ideal concept for the transport and delivery of hydrogen to end-use devices.

Exemple 3 :

Another project focuses on the use of methanol as a liquid hydrogen reservoir:

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



LCC CNRS

Laboratoire de chimie de coordination du CNRS

205 route de Narbonne, BP 44099
31077 Toulouse cedex 4
France



+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Contact

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L’article Molecular Complexes for Energy Transition est apparu en premier sur LCC CNRS Toulouse.

LCC CNRS Toulouse

LCC Young Investigator Seminar 2026

LCC

Friday March, 20

LCC CNRS

+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Induction ceremony of Rinaldo Poli at Academia Europaea

LCC

The induction ceremony of Rinaldo Poli, Senior lecturer of the Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry (LCC Toulouse), as a member of the Academia Europaea in the Chemical Sciences section, took place on October 15, 2025, in Barcelona.

Contact:

LCC CNRS

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Kevin ANTRAYGUES Awarded the Rising Star “Research” Prize by the Toulouse Faculty of Health

LCC

Kevin Antraygues Awarded the Rising Star ‘Research’ Prize by Toulouse Faculty of Health January 13, 2026

LCC CNRS

+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

[Ru-NO] complexes: Nano-structuration and shaping

LCC

Nanoparticles of ruthenium nitrosyl

Ruthenium nitrosyl complexes embedded in hydrogels

Platinum nanoparticles functionalized by a ruthenium nitrosyl complex

LCC CNRS

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Mechanochemistry for conquering the impossible

LCC

LCC CNRS

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[Ru-NO] complexes: Irradiation at 1 photon or at 2 photons

LCC

1. Monometallic complexes

2. Polymetallic complexes

LCC CNRS

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Molecular Complexes and Heteroelements

LCC

Complexes and Heteroelements

Example 1 :

Example 2 :

LCC CNRS

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Nanoparticles and Catalysis

LCC

Nanoparticles and Catalysis

Example for hydrogenolysis catalysis:

Examples for hydrogenation catalysis:

LCC CNRS

+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Nanoparticles and Energy

LCC

Nanoparticles and Energy

For photocatalysis applications,

In the fuel cells field,

These projects are conducted in collaboration with:

LCC CNRS

+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Molecular Complexes for Energy Transition

LCC

Molecular Complexes for Energy Transition

Example 1 :

Example 2 :

Exemple 3 :

LCC CNRS

+ 33 5 61 33 31 00

Kevin Antraygues Awarded the Rising Star ‘Research’ Prize by Toulouse Faculty of Health
January 13, 2026