First International Conference on Multifunctional, Hybrid and Nanomaterials
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Speaker biographyTutorial Speaker: Jacques LivagePlenary Speakers | Tutorial Speakers | Featured Speakers | Invited Speakers
Our main scientific contribution is in the field of the so-called sol-gel process. We have been dealing mainly with the chemistry and physical properties of transition metal oxide gels. The sol-gel process is based on the polymerization of molecular precursors. Both the metal organic (alkoxides) and inorganic (aqueous solutions) routes have been studied in our group. We have shown that the formation of solid phases can be controlled via the chemical modification of the molecular precursors by complexing organic or inorganic ligands. The physical properties (electronic, ionic, optical, magnetic, electrochemical) of transition metal oxide gels (V2O5, VO2, WO3,...) have been extensively studied. These oxide gels could be promising candidates for micro-ionics (reversible cathode for lithium batteries, electrochromic devices, optical switches). Several patents have been taken describing the properties of "all gel" devices. During the past decade, we focused our research on the encapsulation of biomolecules within silica gels in order to make biosensors and bioreactors. Even whole cells have been trapped in silica gels and used as antigenic materials for the realization of "sol-gel blood tests". More recently the sol-gel process was optimized in order to preserve the viability of trapped bacteria. Bacteria may then rmain viable for several weeks in a silica gel. They retain their bio-activity and can be used for the production of metabolites. |
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