Axis 3 – Multiscale structural organization of materials

Discover new materials with improved/optimized properties, using a scientific approach based on the “synthesis/structure/properties” triptych.

Synthesize new materials and elaborate new micro- and nanostructures using a variety of synthesis routes (including solid-state and precursor routes such as sol-gel, hydro/solvothermal, co-precipitation, polymer, etc.). Promote low-energy syntheses involving low-carbon materials, in a spirit of sustainable development.

Determine/characterize these structures and nanostructures by combining experimental techniques and simulation methods. This is done using medium-heavy equipment (transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and scattering, vibrational and optical spectroscopy, etc.) and Very Large Research Infrastructures including SOLEIL, ILL and ESRF.

Analyze massive data using unconventional approaches (AI) and develop predictive tools.

Measure and calculate optical (light emission/conversion, nonlinearity), electrical (piezo/ferroelectricity, dielectrics, conductivity), vibrational and catalytic properties to establish links between structure, microstructure and material properties.

Meet societal needs in the fields of energy, electronics, optics, housing and natural resources. Promote innovative work and scale-up.

 

Axis manager: Jenny JOUIN | Tous les membres de l’axe

Functional Materials

​Coordinator: Jean-René DUCLERE

  • Electroceramics: lead-free oxide materials

  • Glass, glass-ceramics and transparent ceramics for optics and energy

  • Synthesis methods, including soft chemistry, and forming technologies (SPS, hybrid 3D printing, ADM, etc.)

  • Hyperspectral data processing (chemometrics, machine learning, etc.)

Atomic-scale modeling and crystallochemistry

Coordinator: Assil BOUZID

  • Crystallochemistry, medium and local structure refinements, DFT, molecular dynamics, machine learning
  • Oxides, nanoparticles, clusters, disordered systems, surfaces and interfaces
  • Structure-property relationships, nonlinear optics, ion scattering, electronic structure
  • Code development

Crystallography and microstructure

Coordinator:  Alexandre BOULLE

  • Phase transitions, nanostructures and defects
  • X-ray diffraction/ scattering and synchrotron instrumentation
  • Electron microscopy and near fields
  • Open source software development, massive data and deep learning

Precursors and inorganic materials

Coordinator:  Sylvie ROSSIGNOL

  • Geopolymers and preceramic polymers
  • Hybrids, PDCs and silicon-based materials
  • Synthesis, shaping and ceramization of precursors: coatings, fibers, matrices & composites, porous materials
  • Reactivity of inorganic and organometallic precursors