12.11.2020
15 minutes of reading
In a context of considerable societal expectations regarding the innocuous nature of new products and the protection of the environment, analytical chemistry is a major scientific discipline that guarantees the acceptability of research and its applications, helping us understand phenomena via the characterization of materials and products in complex matrices.
No scientific field can ignore the contributions of the characterization of objects/reactions of interest. Hence, the scientific ambition of the Physics and Analysis division is “to see the invisible and give IFPEN projects a head start”, in mature fields as well as new energy technologies. As such, it plays an essential role in technological innovations.
To achieve this ambition, our researchers exploit analytical techniques and methodologies to their maximum, combining different pairings, mathematically extracting the information of interest from thousands of signals, using both prototype instrumentations and major national instruments. All significant progress made is also the result of dialog with IFPEN researchers and multidisciplinary academic teams.
This issue illustrates a few examples.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue,
Nathalie Schildknecht,
Head of the Physics and Analysis Division
Multiplying analytical dimensions to identify bio-based molecules
IFPEN is actively involved in the development of innovative processes for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into bio-based fuels and molecules.
Analysis of the inorganic contaminants in bioethanol, from source to end product
The use of renewable carbon-based biofuels is a solution aimed at reducing the climate impact of combustion engine vehicles.
Spectrometry and chemometrics supporting processes
As a result of the deterioration in the quality of crude oils and the tightening up of environmental standards, refiners are modifying their processes in order to meet the growing demand for light
In situ characterization of the genesis of the active sites of hydrotreatment catalysts by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Meeting environmental standards governing the sulfur content of oil-based fuels hinges around the optimization of hydrotreatment processes (HDT), involving, in part
Rapid elementary metal mapping via LIBS
Effectively detecting the presence of very low quantities of elements in industrial materials is a major challenge.
In situ study of the detailed structure of a foam flowing in a real porous medium
Foam injection during oil production or ground remediation is aimed at overcoming problems of gravity segregation and viscous fingeringa created by