Catalysis and eco-compatible synthesis
Team leader: Prof. Philippe Zinck
Assistant team leader : Dr Till Bousquet
Team leader foreword
Created in January 2025, the CADICOM (CAtalyse Durable et Innovante pour la Chimie Organique et Macromoléculaire) team brings together 8 persons who pool their expertise in organic and macromolecular chemistry to work on various research projects aimed at developing environmentally-friendly reactions, molecules and polymers. Among the sustainable synthetic approaches developed in organic chemistry, photocatalysis occupies a central place. This process provides access to molecules with a variety of structures, opening up prospects in therapeutic chemistry, in the valorization of products derived from biomass and CO₂, as well as in polymerization. In the latter field, one of the team's spearheads is Coordinative Chain Transfer Polymerization and Chain Shuttling Polymerization, and the design of thermoplastic elastomers. Functionalization of oligo- and polysaccharides and polymer recycling are also explored via catalytic routes. Immobilization strategies for organic or organometallic catalysts are also being developed, to combine the best of homogeneous chemistry with the implementation of processes typical of heterogeneous catalysis. This approach makes it possible to optimize catalyst recycling by facilitating its separation while limiting the deactivation pathways specific to homogeneous conditions.
Team members
| Name | Function | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Till Bousquet | Assistant Professor | Univ. Lille |
| Eric Deniau | Professor | Univ. Lille |
| Audrey Favrelle-Huret | Assistant Professor | Univ. Lille |
| Stephane Lebrun | Assistant Professor | Univ. Lille |
| Nicolas Merle | Assistant Professor | Univ. Lille |
| Lydie Pelinski | Professor | Univ. Lille |
| Sylvain Pellegrini | Assistant Professor | Univ. Lille |
| Philippe Zinck | Professor | Univ. Lille |
Thematics
Biobased polymers
We improve the mechanical and thermal properties of well-known biobased polymers such as PLA by chain shuttling polymerization. The valorization of biomass also involves the polymerization of new biosourced monomers synthesized within the team and the functionalization of oligo- and poly-saccharides.
Pollution by Microplastics
In collaboration with our colleagues at LOG in Wimereux, we are studying the impact of microplastics, particularly biobased microplastics, on the ecology of zooplankton, and working on the development of alternative plastics that are more respectful of the marine environment.
Plastic recycling
In this field, we focus on developing ways of upcycling plastics into specialty polymers such as block copolymers, which are then recycled in a variety of applications. The modification of plastics to facilitate their depolymerization is also studied.
Supported catalysis
We develop immobilization strategies for organic or organometallic catalysts, combining the best of homogeneous chemistry with the implementation of processes typical of heterogeneous catalysis. Obstacles such as separation costs, the inability to obtain flowing systems and deactivation pathways specific to homogeneous conditions are overcome. These catalysts have, for example, found applications in olefin metathesis, CO₂ upgrading as well as in kerosene production.
Photocatalysis
Among the various approaches to reducing the environmental impact of fine chemical synthesis, photocatalysis—especially using visible light—plays a key role. In this context, our team is committed to developing innovative photocatalytic transformations aimed at valorizing biomass-derived synthons and synthesizing monomers and molecules with promising therapeutic properties.
CO2 valorization
Growing industrialization and the over-consumption of fossil fuels are leading to a significant increase in the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Addressing this major environmental challenge requires the development of methods to mitigate or recycle this gas is becoming a necessity. Thanks to our expertise in homogeneous and supported catalysis, we are developing innovative processes based on the use of this abundant resource for the synthesis of monomers, polymers and fine chemicals, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly chemistry.