FEDER - ENSICAEN - CPER Materials Chemistry - AGIR Advanced spectroscopy - Invest
Kohesio
ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE INGENIEURS
The Catalysis and Spectrochemistry Laboratory (LCS) is an internationally recognized laboratory for the characterization of catalysts and materials by vibrational spectroscopies, particularly in operating conditions (“operando”). We thus participated in two consecutive European projects (2009-2018) requiring our expertise in these areas. Initially specialized in the analysis of catalysts, the themes of the laboratory have evolved as well as the types of materials studied which now cover in addition to catalysts, new and hybrid materials, adsorbents or membranes, materials for energy applications... These different studies have shown the need to approach the characterization of materials and catalysts through a global approach which goes from the heart of the material to its surface. This project therefore aims to develop and upgrade its spectroscopic equipment through the acquisition of new high-performance equipment, adapted to new study conditions and new interfaces (solid/gas, solid/liquid): a Raman spectrometer intended to replace the current spectrometer and broaden its field of applications. Initially specialized in the analysis of catalysts, the laboratory's themes gradually expanded, leading to a diversification of the types of materials studied (new and hybrid materials, adsorbents, membranes, materials for energy applications, etc.) and operating conditions (low and high pressure, corrosive products, presence of water, etc.). This project therefore also aims to develop innovative equipment (AGIR), unique on a global scale, efficient and adapted to new conditions for studying catalysts and materials via the coupling of two techniques. IR spectroscopy is a technique which makes it possible to determine the nature and evolution of the species present on a sample. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) leads to monitoring of the variation in mass of a sample. The objective of the project is to create a new scientific tool that combines these two complementary techniques: the qualitative aspect of IR coupled with the quantitative aspect of ATG. The originality of the system is to couple a magnetic suspension microbalance specially adapted for ultra-high vacuum and high pressure to an IR materials analysis chamber. The development of control and automation functions for adding pollutants is an important part of the project. This tool should lead to better knowledge of the mechanisms of storage of pollutants and poisoning of materials in the field of automobile and air pollution control. This new system will thus contribute to strengthening the positioning of the LCS in the international and national context, but also at the local level because it will allow collaborations with other Normandy laboratories to be continued and amplified.
Smarter Europe / Research and innovation / Research and innovation infrastructure (public)