The present LCS is the result of a merger between a Catalysis laboratory (launched by the late Prof. François Gault and later headed by Prof. Daniel Cornet) and a Spectrochemistry laboratory (launched by the late Prof. Romanet and later headed by Dr. Jean-Claude Lavalley). The successive Directors since the 1990’s have been : Dr. Jean-Claude Lavalley, Prof. Jean-Pierre Gilson, Prof. Christian Fernandez and Prof. Jean-Pierre Gilson. We are integrated in the French catalysis community where we play a key role and occupy a niche position (figure 1). We also receive a significant support from the local authorities (Région Basse-Normandie).
fig. 1.
We are fully in tune with society and some of its problems, the worldwide research community and have developed over the years close and mutually beneficial relationships with industry (figure 2).
fig.2.
When working with industry, we favor the interaction at the high end of the scientific scale where our science-based approach is very much valued (figure 3). We are however fully equipped and prepared for service work on an ad-hoc basis.
fig. 3.
While our activities evolved over the years, as Catalysis and Spectrochemistry worldwide moved ever closer with the advent of the so-called “Operando Spectroscopy”, the main thrust of the LCS has always been the “Molecular Understanding of the Working Catalyst”. These core activities are well in line with recent recommendations from the US Department of Energy (DOE publication : “Basic Research Needs : Catalysis for Energy”).
The LCS team consists of about 50 persons, half of it permanent staff (ENSICAEN, Université de Caen and CNRS). The important contribution of the technical staff is a major asset given the need for technological development in our niche areas. In order to combine our long term goal (Molecular Understanding of the Working Catalyst) with the reactivity and accountability required from the new academic landscape (EU and French ANR projects, academic-industrial cooperations, …), we are now organized around 3 themes (i.e. Long Term Objectives) and operated in the form of research projects (i.e. Reactivity and Accountability).
The 3 themes are (figure 4) :
- ESD : Environment and Sustainable Development. The projects located in this theme are generally “Problem Driven” and operated with academic or industrial partners
- PCI : Physico-Chemistry of Interfaces. The projects located in this theme are generally centered on the “Generation of Knowledge” and the key questions are asked by the LCS researchers in order to remain of the top of their scientific field
- METHO : in-situ and Operando METHOdology. The projects located in this theme are generally centered on “Technology Development” and, because we move the frontiers of some fields, the need arises to design important pieces of scientific equipment and data processing methodologies. We work often with instrument manufacturers and specialized companies.
fig. 4
The list below illustrates some of the projects and their location in our 3 themes. Of course, dynamic interactions exist between the various themes and projects.
Environment & Sustainable Development
- De-sulfurization and De-oxygenation of Transportation Fuels (Fossil & Renewable)
- Natural Gas Upgrading
- Pollution Abatement of Mobile and Stationary Sources
- On board H2 production
- Applications and Characterization of MOFs (CO2 capture, …)
Physico-Chemistry of Surfaces
- Basicity of Oxides
- Superacidic Surfaces
- Genesis of Acidity on Supported Oxides
- Fonctionalization of Hydroxylated Surfaces
In-situ & Operando Methodology
- Temporal Resolution in IR Spectroscopy
- Spatial Resolution in IR Spectroscopy
- Combining IR and Thermogravimetry
- In-situ & Operando IR, Raman & NMR
- Towards Liquid-Solid Catalysis
- Modeling in Spectroscopy
A step change in the LCS life will occur in early 2009 with the arrival of 2 highly respected zeolite researchers and their co-workers. The size of the LCS will change as well as the nature of (some of) its projects. Namely, our ability to synthesize, shape, characterize and evaluate zeolitic and related nano-materials (adsorbents, catalysts, membranes, sensors, …) really opens new horizons (figure 5.).
fig. 5.
The multidisciplinary nature of Catalysis drives us to collaborate extensively, both with academic groups and industrial partners ; the partnerships, on the rise, form an important aspect of the research presently done at the LCS (figure 6.).
fig. 6.
The unique capabilities of the LCS are illustrated by our present equipment (figure 7), in constant updating and upgrading. Our scientific production is described further on our web site.
fig. 7
Contact
Directeur : Jean-Pierre Gilson, Professor - ENSICAEN LCS Director (2008-2011)
Laboratoire Catalyse et Spectrochimie
ENSICAEN, Université de Caen Basse-Normandie, CNRS
6, Boulevard Maréchal Juin, 14050 CAEN CEDEX
Tél. : 02 31 45 28 21, Fax. : 02 31 45 28 22
