2024 CRM2 Director (University of Lorraine)
2018 vice-Dean (2^nd term, 5 years) at Faculty of Sciences and Technologies of Nancy (University of Lorraine)
2013 vice-Dean (1^st term, 5 years) at Faculty of Sciences and Technologies of Nancy (University of Lorraine)
2011 University Full Professor (Physics – Crystallography) at CRM2 (University of Lorraine)
2006 University Professor (Physics – Crystallography) at CRM2 (University of Lorraine)
2005 Accreditation to conduct and supervise research (HDR) (University of Burgundy)
2002 Associate Professor (Chemistry – Crystallography) at Molecular Engineering Laboratory for Gas Separation and Applications (LIMSAG, University of Burgundy)
2001 Assistant Professor (Chemistry – Crystallography) at LIMSAG (University of Burgundy)
1999 Post-doc at LIMSAG (University of Burgundy)
1998 Post-doc at Institut de Ciència de MAterials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC)
1997 Assistant Professor at CRM2
1995 Post-doc at CRM2
1994 European PhD in Physical Sciences (University of Barcelona)

I. Crystal Engineering

I am interested in the control of molecular organization in space, as well as in the modulation of the intensity of the intermolecular interactions involved in this organization. The study of directional intermolecular interactions is at the heart of this approach. It is based on the use of the influence of intra- and inter-molecular environments, and of external constraints, on molecular assemblies, which control the physicochemical properties of crystalline solids. The analysis of the electron distribution and its derived properties from experimental (X-ray diffraction, XRD) and theoretical (quantum chemical calculations) methods makes it possible, leading to a deep understanding of the involved interatomic and intermolecular interactions.

Main aspects:

• Experimental (XRD) and theoretical (quantum chemical calculations) modelling of the electron density ρ and its derived properties
• Topological analyses of the electron density distribution ρ, the Laplacian of the electron density ∇²ρ and the electrostatic potential φ
• Analysis of polarization induced by electric fields on intermolecular interactions
• Topographical analysis of electric field lines in intermolecular space
• Methodological development of descriptors associated with ρ and its derived properties to study molecular orientation in space, as well as the intensity and nature of the involved interactions
• Study of intermolecular interactions
• Study of the influence of intra- and inter-molecular environments on the modulation of intermolecular interactions
• Study of molecular recognition and molecular communication
• Study of intermolecular interaction energies and crystal cohesion

Applications:

• Based on electrophilic···nucleophilic and s-hole interactions
• Molecular assembly and molecular organization in space
• Charge transfer complexes with atomic carriers
• Solid pharmaceutical APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients)
• Host-guest systems

II. Structural analysis using single-crystal XRD

• Crystallographic studies
• Crystallochemical studies

To know more …

Web of Science (as of 01/01/2024): 158 publications; >10150 times cited; >64 average citations/publication; 40 h-index; 96 i10-index
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