Amphiphilic
Current projects focus mainly on magnetic nanoParticles...but...
We have completed a detailed investigation of low temperature solution synthesis targeting homogeneous composition of alloyed nanocolloids candidate for technological applications ranging from ultra high density recording media to bio-medicine. In contrast to more usual thermal decomposition protocol, room temperature syntheses offer an attractive pathway that could dramatically simplify nanocolloid fabrication. However, a major hurdle is the inhomogeneous composition of the products. We then have investigated the role of parameters including amphiphilic molecules, precursor ions and reducing agents in the synthesis to develop a strategy which should be applicable to other alloys fabricated by co-reduction protocol. (see more... )
To enlarge the utility of the CO2 platform, amphiphilic molecules (diblock-copolymers and dendritic molecules) were synthesised and solubility as well as micellization process in compressed CO2 were investigated demonstrating promising potential not only for CO2 technology but also for phase transfer and purification. (see more... )
Part of our research activities involved characterising and understanding the microstructure of phase diagrams composed of water, oil (isooctane) and surfactant (X(AOT)y ). On the one hand, our aim was to extend the applicability of Ninham's geometrical model to reverse micellar systems and to explain microstructure variations with surfactant concentration and hydration. While on the other hand we wanted to rationally tune the syntheses parameters of nanoparticles. This project required becoming familiar with a breadth of experimental techniques notably optical spectroscopy, conductivity, Small Angle X-ray Scattering and Freeze Fracture Electron Microscopy.