Thomas Cottineau

The group focuses its research on the synthesis of semiconductor nanostructures for photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic conversion applications. These studies aim to address two major challenges: the generation of solar fuels (hydrogen production via water splitting) and the remediation of aqueous environments. The group has developed significant expertise in the synthesis of titanium oxide (nanoparticles, aligned nanotubes) and its modification through doping, co-doping, and the deposition of co-catalyst nanoparticles. In parallel, we are committed to the development of innovative photoelectrochemical analysis methods. Over the years, we have established a network of collaborations with materials chemists who develop other families of semiconductors, which we evaluate using the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic equipment available at ICPEES. Additionally, our collaborations with physical chemists grant us access to advanced characterization techniques, which are essential for understanding the fundamental mechanisms of photo-induced reactions in these materials.

1. Rapid Determination of the Optimum Thickness of Doped TiO₂ Nanotubes Layer by Local Photoelectrochemistry and Operando Properties Extraction by Data Modeling
   S. Vergne, F. Gelb, V. Keller, T. Cottineau*
    Solar RRL 8, 2024, 2400156
2.  Influence of Nitridation Conditions on the Doping Sites and Photocatalytic Visible Light Activity of Nb,N-Codoped TiO₂
   Q. Xi, V. Papaefthimiou, N. Le Breton, M. Takashima, V. Keller, B. Vileno, T. Cottineau*
   Chemistry of Materials, 36, 2024, 3705-3716
3. (M, N) codoping (M= Nb or Ta) and CoO nanoparticle decoration of TiO₂ nanotubes: synergistic enhancement of visible photoelectrochemical water splitting
   T. Favet, V. Keller, M. A. El Khakani, T. Cottineau*
    Material Today Energy, 37, 2023, 101376
4. Investigation of interactions between organophosphorous compounds and TiO₂ modified microcantilevers for molecule detection in air.
   U. Biapo, V. Keller, P. Bazin, T. Cottineau*
    Material Advances, 3, 2022, 3600-3609
5. Electrosynthesis of gradient TiO₂ nanotubes and rapid screening using scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy
   F. Gelb, Y.-C. Chueh, N. Sojic, V. Keller, D. Zigah, T. Cottineau*
   Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 4,2020, 1099-1104

As of 01/07/2024 : 37 articles in peer reviewed international journals (18 as corresponding authors ; h-index : 19)

March 2022       Habilitation à Diriger les Recherches
Engineering Hierarchical 1D TiO2 Nanostructures for Photoelectrochemical Applications.(Université de Strasbourg)
Oct. 2014            Chargé de Recherche CNRS
ICPEES (UMR7515 CNRS/Univ. Strasbourg) Photocatalysis & Photoconversion team
2009-2014          Postdoctoral Researcher at LMSPC (Strasbourg)
Development of TiO₂ nanotubes for explosive detection and photo-electrochemistry. Photocatalysis (Dr. V. Keller) and Electrochemistry (Pr. E. Savinova) teams.
2008-2009          Postdoctoral Researcher at UQAM (Montréal)
Development of a photoelectrochemical cell for CO₂ conversion into renewable fuels. Teams of Pr. D. Bélanger et Pr. M. Morin.
2004-2007          Ph.D. in Materials Science, Solid-State Chemistry Specialization
Study of Photosensitive Sols and Gels Based on Titanium Oxide and Their Integration into a Photovoltaic System. Jean Rouxel Institute of Materials (UMR 6502), Université de Nantes. Supervisors: Dr. L. Brohan and Dr. M. Richard-Plouet.
2003-2004           Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) in Materials Science
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured Oxides for Hybrid, Environmentally Friendly Electrochemical Supercapacitor Electrodes. LGMPA (Nantes) and Department of Chemistry, UQAM (Montreal). Supervisors: Prof. T. Brousse and Prof. D. Bélanger.
2001-2004          Engineering Degree in Materials Science
Ecole Polytechnique de l’Université de Nantes
1999-2001          University Technical Diploma (DUT) in Physical Measurements
Specialization in Materials and Physico-Chemical Controls, IUT of Saint-Nazaire.

ANR OSCARE Collaborative research project (2024-2028): Partner (Coord. T. Toupance)
MITI NICE Collaborative research project (2023-2025): Partner (Coord. P.M. Coulon)

PEPR H2 HYDRO Collaborative research project (2022-2026): Partner (Coord. D. Zigah)
FRCR HyPE Collaborative research project Grand Est Region (2020-2024): Partner (Coord. T. Gries)

ANR BAGETE Young researcher research project (2016-2020): Coordinator
IdEX CoDoTiN Attractivity University of Strasbourg (2015-2016): Coordinator

PhD grant Grand Est Region (2024-2027): Co-funding of Maryem Rahmani PhD.

Invited researcher grant MOPGA (2022-2023): Post Doctoral researcher funding.

PhD grant Grand Est Region(2016-2019): Co-funding of Thomas Favet PhD.