- Sonochemistry
The use of sonochemistry has made it possible to carry out numerous organic syntheses, considerably reducing reaction times and improving yields. This technique is based on the phenomenon of acoustic cavitation, by immersing an ultrasonic probe or sonotrode in a reaction medium.
The laboratory’s expertise has been put to good use in the emergence of a new research theme aimed at developing a base of biosourced compounds from flax products for the formulation of new materials.
Two different types of ultrasound generator are available: a sonotrode with a frequency of 30 kHz, and a pipe made up of six transducers, each with a frequency of 22 kHz.
At the same time, with a view to possible industrial applications, two semi-pilot sonochemical reactors have been developed for the production of high-quality fibres and the functionalisation of biomass.
Location : IRENE 1st floor, CS team
Contact : François Delattre
- Microwave-assisted synthesis
Microwave-assisted synthesis is an alternative heating technique that generally reduces synthesis times. The laboratory is equipped with two microwaves, enabling the synthesis of a wide range of chemical entities (synthesis of conventional organic products, polymers, inorganic catalysts, solid-phase synthesis).
Location : MREI1 1st étage, CS team
- Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC)
Isothermal Titration Calorimetry, or ITC, is a technique dedicated to the study of molecular interactions in solution. It can be used to determine all the thermodynamic parameters (stoichiometries/number of active sites, affinities, variations in free enthalpy, enthalpy, entropy and heat capacities) associated with any type of molecular organisation or self-organisation.
Our unit has a Microcal ITC200 isothermal titration calorimeter, which is mainly used for the quantitative characterisation of the encapsulation capacities of cyclodextrins (with respect to various volatile organic compounds, bioactive principles, catalysts and catalysis ligands, etc.), the study of the recognition capacities of various proteins (in particular albumin, with respect to bioactive principles), as well as for the study of surface-active properties (critical micellar concentration and enthalpy of micellisation).
Location : MREI1 1st floor, CS team
Contact : David Landy
- Kinematic viscometer
The kinematic viscometer (SVM 3001 Anton Paar) is used in the laboratory to determine the viscosity and density of the deep eutectic solvents developed within the team. Several parameters can be determined, including kinematic viscosity (ASTM D7042, EN 16896, DIN 51659-2), density (EN ISO 12185, ASTM D4052, IP 365), viscosity index (VI) (ASTM D2270), dynamic viscosity (ASTM D7042) and API grades (ISO 91, API 2540, ASTM D1250, IP 200).
Location : MREI1 1st floor, CS team
Contact : Sophie Fourmentin
- The automatic digital polarimeter
By measuring the optical activity or rotatory power of our samples, the polarimeter enables us to carry out quantitative analyses and degradation kinetic studies.
Location : MREI1 ground floor, CS team
Contact : Miriana Kfoury
- Optical tensiometer/drop analyser/ goniometer
The goniometer enables us to measure surface tension and surface tension by contact angle. This is essential for understanding the molecular interaction between liquids and solids, revealing the adhesive properties of a liquid, carrying out wettability studies of materials and surfaces and characterising the surface properties of materials.
Location : MREI1 1st floor, CS team
Contact : Miriana Kfoury
- Total Organic Carbon analyser (TOC-VCSN)
The Shimadzu TOC-VCSN Total Organic Carbon analyser is used to monitor the mineralisation of organic pollutants following degradation reactions (Fenton) or photodegradation (photo-Fenton, photocatalysis). This technique has also been used to study the solubilisation of essential oils by cyclodextrins.
Location : MREI1 1st floor, CS team
Contact : Sophie Fourmentin
- Multirays (Heliosquartz)
The Multirays (Heliosquartz) is a device equipped with 10 interchangeable lamps (UVC, UVB or UVA). It is used to carry out photodegradation reactions of organic pollutants (photolysis, photo-Fenton, photocatalysis) in order to assess the efficiency of different catalysts. It is also used to demonstrate the photoprotective effect of encapsulating bioactive molecules (aromas, essential oils, etc.) in cyclodextrins.
Location : MREI1 1st floor, CS team
Contact : Sophie Fourmentin
- Karl-Fischer coulometric titrator
The Karl-Fischer coulometric titrator (C20SX Mettler Toledo) is used to measure the water content of various solutions (deep eutectic solvents, cyclodextrin complexes).
Location : MREI1 1st floor, CS team
Contact : Sophie Fourmentin
