Chimie Physique des Matériaux (Catalyse

Liaison Entreprises et Universités
Université libre de Bruxelles
Faculté des Sciences
Chimie
Chimie Physique des Matériaux (CatalyseTribologie)

air pollution control, heterogeneous catalysts, hydrogel, sensors, Air, Material sciences,
processes, Synthesis catalysis
Questions ?
Aurore De Boom
Conseiller en agro-alimentaire et
environnement
 +32-026504973
 [email protected]
Laboratory contact details
Laboratory Head
General Contact
Prof. Visart de Bocarme Thierry
 Boulevard du
Triomphe, Accès 3
B-1050 Bruxelles
Belgique
 +32-26505724
 [email protected]
 +32265057105932
Main study areas and research topics
Research in the group of Chemical of Materials and Catalysis is dedicated to physico-chemical phenomena at surface of
materials, with a focus on heterogeneous catalysts. Complementary ''bottom-up'' and ''top-down'' approaches are followed
to cover all aspects of these phenomena, from a fundamental to applied points of view. Modern nanotechnology tools are
used to identify, understand and optimize the structure and chemical composition of solid materials in heterogeneous
catalysis.
Regarding basic research, the group deploys its efforts to obtain catalytic data "operando" by a variety of spectroscopy and
microscopy methods of surface science. The topics include, among others, reactions of interest in the field of air pollution
control (eg. selective catalytic reduction of NOx to N 2 and H 2O, CO and hydrocarbon oxidation,…). The design of selective
catalysts for compounds of higher added value is also part of the interests of the laboratory. This type of research fits in a
societal context that questions the sustainability of the supply of energy (e.g. H 2) and raw materials for polymer chemistry,
still largely dependent on petrochemicals. Production platforms molecules from biomass is expected to become increasingly
important in this scenario.
Last Research Project
More information about the Universities & Higher Education Institutions expertise on www.reseaulieu.be
Page 1 / 3
Liaison Entreprises et Universités
Last Research Project
- Kinetic studies of the ageing of nickel-based catalysts
- Atomically precice approaches to unravel surface enrichment of alloys of interest for catalysts of higher selectivity : cases
of Pt-Rh, Au-Pd, Au-Ag, Au-Cu.
- Development of solutions for a better efficiency of materials for selective catalytic reduction of NOx
- Fischer-Tropsch reaction over iron-based catalysts for the production of short hydrocaron molecules
Industrial application fields
The facilities can be used to perform kinetic studies under experimental conditions and with materials close to those used in
industry. Chemical Transient kinetics methods can provide useful information on the instant surface composition of catalysts
in their working state.
Atom probe tomography is a powerful tool that is able to map in three dimensions – with subnanometric and even atomi
resolution - the nature and the spatial distribution of atoms of any conductive material like alloys, steels,… This method is
used at the laboratory to link the nature of the very first atomic layers of models catalysts to their catalytic activity. It can also
be used to establish relations between the atomic distribution in alloys and their macroscopic properties (hardness, ductility,
crack formation,…). The methods is also suitable to do this for 3D-printed materials.
Extraordinary engineering equipments
Atom-probe tomography (APT) (cf supra) with in-situ treatments chamber
X-ray photolelectron spectroscopy (XPS) with in-situ treatments chamber
Chemical Transient Kinetics (CTK)
Porosimetry, chomatography, quadripolar mass spectrometry, temperature programmed reduction/oxidation/decomposition
facilities, Diffuse reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy with environmental dome for operando catalysis
studies…
Services proposal
The laboratory can provide its expertise to characterize the texture of any porous to microporous materials. Catalytic studies
can be perfomed on these materials and provide information on their activity, selectivity and durability.
The laboratory can provide atom probe tomography data on alloys of interest for industrial purposes. The only limitation is
the ability to shape these materials as sharp tip samples through electrochemical etching or ion sputterring (Focused ion
beam).
Training proposal
Basic and advanced course on heterogeneous catalysis
Basic and advanced course on surface science and modern methods of atom probe tomography
In house training and practice on catalytic reactors for kinetic studies
In house training and practice on the Atom-Probe Tomography System
Related Lab'Insight Event
More information about the Universities & Higher Education Institutions expertise on www.reseaulieu.be
Page 2 / 3
Liaison Entreprises et Universités
Related Lab'Insight Event
Biomass to Energy
Organized on Tuesday 11th December 2012 at Haute Ecole Charlemagne
This event was the perfect place to meet researchers spezialised in biomethanisation processes.
Bioresources Engineering and Chemistry
Organized on Thursday 01st March 2012 at Université de Liège - Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech
This Lab'InSight meeting is the perfect place to meet researchers with demonstrated expertise in bio-engineering or
biosourced products.
Transport et Logistique en milieu urbain
Organisé le lundi 9 décembre 2013 à l'Université de Mons
Ce rendez-vous Lab'InSight a été l'occasion pour les entreprises du secteur logistique de rencontrer des experts
universitaires et d'initier de nouvelles collaborations.
Stockage d'énergie : défis et avancées technologiques
Organisé le mardi 22 avril 2014 à l'Université de Mons
Ce Lab'InSight a été organisé à l’UMONS le 19 juin dernier. Les 76 participants ont pu y rencontrer des scientifiques
experts du stockage d’énergie avec pour objectif d’initier de nouvelles collaborations.
Bioproducts : from molecules to materials
Organized on Friday 25th May 2012 at Université de Namur
This event was the perfect place to meet researchers specialized in bioproducts.
More information about the Universities & Higher Education Institutions expertise on www.reseaulieu.be
Page 3 / 3