ANR PRC CADENA

Dates:
From 01 Oct 2025 to 31 March 2029

Project coordinator:
Katia GUERIN, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand (ICCF UMR 6296)

Partner laboratories :

• Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand (ICCF UMR 6296, Université de Clermont Auvergne (UCA), Clermont-Ferrand)
• Institut Jean Lamour, IJL (UMR CNRS 7198, Université de Lorraine, Nancy)
• Institut de Chimie et Matériaux de Poitiers, IC2MP (UMR CNRS 7285, University of Poitiers)
• Syensqo “(formerly Solvay)”, Brussels, Belgium

IMN staff involved:
Chris EWEL

Chemically assisted graphitization of nanodiamond detonations for heterogeneous catalysis

CADENA is an innovative research project aimed at making the production of fluorinated molecules cleaner, safer and more efficient. These molecules are essential in fields such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and batteries. Today, the methods used to produce them often rely on toxic substances and generate polluting waste.

CADENA offers an environmentally-friendly alternative by developing new nanodiamond-based catalysts. Nanodiamonds are tiny diamond particles with scalable chemical properties. By modifying their surface in a controlled way, researchers aim to improve their performance. They want them to be resistant to extreme conditions, such as the use of highly reactive fluorinated gases.

The project brings together several renowned French laboratories and the Syensqo company. Together, they will explore how to make these nanodiamonds more active and selective. To achieve this, advanced chemical treatments and computer simulations will be used. These catalysts will then be tested in real reactions and their industrial potential assessed.

CADENA’s ultimate aim is to provide more sustainable processes, free from toxic substances, and suitable for large-scale production. These processes will thus contribute to the ecological transition in key sectors such as energy and healthcare.