Research Groups

MOST

Prof. Damien Debecker            

The group aims at developing new heterogeneous catalysts and biocatalysts, paving the way to the design of more sustainable chemical processes. Using techniques at the interface between materials chemistry, biochemistry and chemical engineering, our expertise lies in the preparation of innovative solid (bio)catalysts and in their evaluation in relevant conditions.

 

 

Prof. Michel Devillers

Coordination and organometallic chemistry for designing precursors for the preparation of solid inorganic materials with functional (catalytic, optical, electrical) properties. Special interest is devoted to Bi, Mo, V, Nb, Ta, and lanthanides. Applications: selective oxidation of alcohols and aldehydes in the liquid phase, or hydrocarbons in the gas phase (oxydative dehydrogenation).

 

 

Prof. Marc de Wergifosse

The research of the Theoretical Chemistry Group at the IMCN has two fronts: (i) the development of new quantum chemistry methods to characterize the interaction of light with matter in large systems and (ii) their applications to a variety of challenging extended systems. Such method developments also offer the possibility to screen large sets of compounds for particular applications in relatively short time, as so avoiding expensive and fastidious experimental explorations. The development of novel quantum chemistry methods and its application to large systems will pave the way for crucial developments in materials and life sciences.

 

Prof. Benjamin Elias            

Supramolecular Photochemistry and Organic Chemistry: we work on the synthesis and spectroscopic studies of Ir(III) and Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes. We take advantage of their charge photoinjection properties to trigger new photocatalysed organic reaction, develop molecular DNA photoprobes or create new supramolecular systems for hydrogen photoproduction.

 

 

Prof. Yaroslav Filinchuk           

Metal and chemical hydrides as hydrogen (energy) storage materials; light hydrides: borohydrides, amides etc. ; synthesis: by mechanochemical methods, under high pressure in diamond anvil cells, by wet chemistry ; crystallography: single-crystal and powder diffraction; synchrotron X-rays and neutrons; in-situ powder diffraction to study properties and transformations.

 

 

Prof. Eric Gaigneaux            

EG’s domain is heterogeneous catalysis : catalysts preparation, physico-chemical characterization under reaction conditions, and application in the production of biofuels, abatement of pollutants, valorisation of hydrocarbons and alcohols via (amm)oxidation, dehydration and dehydrogenation, and fine chemistry e.g. C-C coupling and Friedel-Crafts reactions.

 

 

Prof. Yann Garcia            

The group is busy with the synthesis and crystal engineering of multifunctional molecular based magnetic materials, in particular spin crossover, MOFs and hybrid nanomaterials. Focus is given on bistable (in)organic materials presenting thermo/photo/piezochromic properties for the development of smart applications in molecular spintronics.

 

 

Prof. Sophie Hermans            

Our research focuses on chemical functionalization of solid surfaces mainly of carbonaceous materials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene. Organometallic or inorganic complexes are used as well-defined precursors of (bi)metallic (magnetic) nanoparticles, supported or not, for applications in heterogeneous catalysis and polymer-based metamaterials.

 

Prof. Tom Leyssens            

The group works in the field of crystal engineering, solid state chemistry, and crystallization process development mainly focusing on pharmaceutical compounds. Our expertise lies in the field of thermodynamic and kinetics of solution based crystallization processes, and the development of novel applications based on multi-component crystalline systems.

 

 

Prof. Ludovic Troian-Gautier

We are interested in understandingly fundamental processes that govern excited-state reactivity in solution and at metal oxide interfaces. Our research is distributed among several axis: i) Understanding factors governing excited-state reactivity and charge separation, ii) Solar fuels production, iii) Mechanistic photoredox catalysis using rare and earth abundant transition metal complexes and organic dyes. The pluridisciplinaire approach developed in our laboratory, and through very fruitful collaborations, calls upon (in)organic synthesis, (spectro)electrochemistry, time-resolved and steady-state spectroscopic techniques and (nano)material design.

 

Prof. Olivier Riant            

Our group is specialised in the field of homogeneous transition metal catalysis with applications in the design of new transition metal catalysed cascade and dual bimetallic processes. Interdisciplinary research of the group are focused on mechanistic investigations, chemistry of nano-carbons, medicinal chemistry and chemical biology with transition metal catalysis.

 

 

Prof. Raphaël Robiette            

Our research group conducts research in the fields of organic and physical organic chemistry. Our goal is to get a better understanding of reactivity and stereoselectivity in organic chemistry, through combined experimental and computational studies, and apply these results to the development of innovative strategies in synthesis.

 

 

Prof. Michael Singleton            

Our research focuses on biomimetic and supramolecular reactivity. Our goal is to understand the cooperative interactions that facilitate reactivity and recognition in biological systems in order to develop new chemical approaches towards issues ranging from sustainability to human health. Biomimetic Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry

 

 

Prof. Alexandru Vlad            

The group works in the field of materials science, nanotechnology and applied electrochemistry, with a focus on studies of charge and matter transport through nanostructured materials for energy storage and harvesting applications. Current topics cover the areas of chemistry and engineering of energy storage materials: batteries, supercapacitors and their hybrids.