Colloids for environment: (photo)catalysis & CO₂-uptake
This axis focuses on the design of colloidal structures dedicated to solving environmental problems.
We concentrate on monitoring the degradation processes of different pollutants (such as nanoplastics) using up-converting nanoparticles whose luminescent properties depend on the conditions of formation and their composition.
Optical properties of up-converting particles
Photo-Fenton mechanism
Other colloidal structures (polyionic complexes based on iron or copper, TiO2 particles) are developed. These structures exhibit the ability to catalyse the photodegradation of various organic pollutants through Fenton-type processes in aqueous solution.
To address societal challenges related to CO2 valorisation, we are developing polymeric structures allowing the capture and release of CO2. The European project CONFETI aims to use the captured CO2 for the electrochemical production of urea which can then be used as a fertilizer.
Production of urea from N2 and/or NO3– and from CO2
Responsive polymer solution under CO2 bubbling