Responsive & out-of-equilibrium systems
This axis centers on the study of modifications induced by an external (temperature, light) or internal (pH, ionic strength, evaporation) stimulus applied to colloidal systems. These modifications can not only lead to a new equilibrium state (changes of colloid topology, phase transition, etc.) but also to modifications of the dynamics of the studied colloids. Different systems are formed, characterised and activated in this context.
We are interested, for example, in the influence of the architecture and microstructure of thermosensitive polymers on their behavior in solution. This allows us to control the temperatures at which these polymers undergo phase transitions in solution, affecting solubility and colloidal morphology, in order to adapt them to the targeted applications.
Phase transition of a thermosensitive polymer
Movements of a drop of dichloromethane ©Véronique Pimienta
The evaporation of a dichloromethane drop deposited on a surfactant solution is at the origin of dynamic phenomena (translation, pulsation, rotation, polygonal shapes). Our aim is to understand the origin of this intringuing phenomena.
A last axis of study concerns the kinetic analysis of mechanisms leading to enantiomeric amplification phenomena and spontaneous deracemisation.
Laboratory members involved in this topic
Faculty staff
