Themes developed in this approach focus on the following activities:
- Thin films and nanomaterials
- Growth on thin-film substrates: oxides, alloys, semiconductors, polymers, etc.
- Substrate growth of nanomaterials: catalysts, aggregates, nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes
- Gas-phase synthesis of nanopowders and aggregates
- Surface structuring and functionalization
- Surface structuring by plasma etching and laser processes (LIPSS)
- Plasma functionalization and reactivity modification of surfaces
Over the past few years, the structuring and functionalization of surfaces has clearly developed in the laboratory to meet a variety of needs: obtaining an extended specific surface for all applications requiring accessibility to a gas or liquid (catalysis, etc.), exalting a property (thermoelectricity, random lasing, etc.), or obtaining a chemical surface property. The methods used to modify surfaces are diversified in the laboratory: laser/matter interaction to form roughness or periodic nanostructures (LIPPS), hot-pressing from molds elaborated by cryo-engraving, grafting of chemical groups by low-pressure RF plasma, and so on. When the modification to be made needs to cover several scales (nano-, micro-) or be of a different nature (physical and chemical), several techniques can be coupled.
In addition to obtaining materials with controlled properties, it is necessary to build complete systems or devices in order to promote technology transfer and respond to certain calls for projects. This involves managing the assembly of the different layers making up these devices (i.e. working on surfaces/interfaces), planning to power them and collect the information produced, testing them, etc. To this end, GREMI has equipped itself with a range of tools (electrical characterization benches, elaboration facilities, etc.) to carry out projects involving the production of biosensors using plasma or inkjet printers, thermoelectric generators, micro-reactors, autonomous fuel cell power systems …
These activities also offer the potential for strong collaboration between the laboratory's two core approaches. For example, the sensors developed to detect pollutants in water can be used to control the plasma discharge process for liquid decontamination. Similarly, our expertise in device science will enable us to develop new micro-reactors for generating micro-discharges at atmospheric pressure. These discharges will be tested for the treatment of gaseous or liquid effluents, in comparison with what is currently done by DBD, for example.
As the control of surfaces and interfaces is crucial, particularly for the production of devices (assemblies) and sensors (surface reactivity), both of which are fast-growing topics, this theme will be further developed. In connection with the plasma/living interaction theme, it will extend to different types of surfaces: tissues, cells, etc., and will constitute a strong link between the two axes of the laboratory. From a fundamental point of view, it provides an opportunity to study and simulate the elementary processes of plasma/surface interaction.