Physical Chemistry seminar: François Ganachaud

A Physical Chemistry seminar by Research Director François Ganachaud, University of Lyon, France

When: 12 October, 14:15-15:00

Where: Lecturehall KC:F

Title: Soft Matter and Interfacial Chemistry: from 'Ouzo Effect' to 'Fuzzy Soap'

Abstract: Soft matter combines physics and chemistry to describe different phases generated by physical interactions. Physicists are nuemrous in the field whereas chemists hardly consider colloidal phases. Here, starting from the well-known nanoprecipitation technique (Pastis or Ouzo effect), I will show how interfacial chemistry can be achieved (almost) simultaneously with emulsification. In particular, phase diagrams can be manipulated to produce nanocapsules in one pot and in less than an hour. I will also develop recent findings suggesting that bicarbonate derivatives formed from supersaturation may explain the transient, highly efficient stabilization of various 'soft matter' objects (bubbles, emulsions, nanoparticles).

CV: Francois Ganachaud has worked for the CNRS since his hiring in Paris in 1999, first on ionic polymerization of cyclosiloxanes in aqueous dispersions. He has since extended his expertise, in Montpellier and then in Lyon, to various emulsion topics, including spontaneous emulsification by solvent shifting, as well as all aspects of chemistry applied to silicone materials. Most research starts from fundamental aspects and is then applied mostly with industrial partners. The concept of 'soft matter chemistry', initiated during a sabbatical at UPenn (Philadelphia) in 2018-2019, is now systematically applied in his new projects involving elastomers, dispersions and interfaces.