Energy, materials, environment, health: the challenges of chemistry
In the fields of energy, materials, environment and health, the CNRS Institute of Chemistry (INC) promotes the advancement of research in all its aspects, at the interface of all disciplines.
From basic research to industrial processes
The work of the CNRS Institute of Chemistry (INC) laboratories is the link between modelling and the synthesis of compounds, fundamental research and industrial processes, the atom and materials. The results have a direct impact on society and are the subject of concrete applications in many sectors: transport, construction, electronics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics etc. The INC also supports preliminary research that brings out new subjects and break-through discoveries.
Responding to social issues
Renewable energies
Chemistry laboratories think about concepts and technologies that will allow both the production and storage of renewable energies: photovoltaic and solar cells, batteries and supercapacitors, hydrogen as a new fuel, biomass development etc.
Materials and electronics
Chemistry is involved in the development of nanomaterials and their transformation into components for microelectronics, with the aim of optimizing production and limiting waste. Particularly, the CNRS Institute of Chemistry (INC) has made advances in research into conductive polymers and flexible electronic devices.
Eco-responsible processes
The INC contributes to the development of virtuous and ecological chemical cycles by "green chemistry," low-impact processes, bio-inspired chemistry, waste management and life cycles or micro-fluidic systems.
Health
Therapeutic chemistry contributes to the development of novel treatments, for cancer or Alzheimer's disease, for example by MRI contrast agents. Also, materials for implants and grafts are being improved.
An interdisciplinary approach
The CNRS created a Mission for interdisciplinary (MI) whose role is to reinforce links and cooperation between disciplines. This approach encourages the emergence of new concepts and methodologies between chemistry and principally biology, physics, ecology, engineering, social sciences etc. Chemists manipulate matter, and therefore work naturally with all these disciplines.