Laboratory presentation

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UCCS laboratory, Unit for Catalysis and Solid State Chemistry, is a joint research unit (UMR 8181) directed by Jean-François Lamonier, under the supervision of the CNRS, the University of Lille, the University of Artois and Centrale Lille.

The scientific activities carried out at UCCS incorporate sustainable development issues such as sustainable chemistry, energy and the environment, drawing on three areas of scientific expertise: (i) Catalysis and Molecular Chemistry, (ii) Heterogeneous Catalysis, and (iii) Solid State Chemistry.

The laboratory has a total staff of approximately 240 people, including 15 CNRS researchers, 88 lecturers and researchers, 37 BIATSS/ITA staff and around 100 doctoral and post-doctoral students.

UCCS draws on expertise in molecule and material synthesis and a high-tech analytical facility dedicated to characterisation, measurement of targeted properties and performance testing of synthesised objects. UCCS simultaneously develops high-level fundamental research and innovations that can be transferred to the industrial world.

More specifically, UCCS works on discovering different types of materials (catalysts, polymers, glasses and ceramics, hybrid materials, dispersed and organised systems, supramolecular objects, thin films, functional materials) using a rational synthesis approach. The UCCS develops and uses cutting-edge characterisation methods, drawing in particular on the advanced characterisation platform managed by the Chevreul Institute. Most of these methods can be used in situ or even operando and are supplemented by modelling. In the field of catalysis, researchers explore the entire catalytic process, from the description of the active site to the implementation of catalytic systems in the most appropriate reactors and processes. To ensure effective technology transfer, the UCCS can rely on the Catalysis Pilot Hall and the engineering technology platform for chemistry and materials.

The work of UCCS is published in the most renowned international scientific journals, with an average of 200 publications per year. Numerous industrial partners rely on the UCCS to develop research activities and patent inventions. These collaborations take the form of two joint research laboratories and three industrial chairs. UCCS is currently involved in numerous ANR and PEPR projects and actively participates in five CPER 2021-2027 programmes. UCCS is also involved in several European contracts (Horizon, Interreg, etc.) and has participated in the creation of several international associated laboratories. Most research contracts are carried out through national and/or international academic and/or industrial collaborations.