Complex functional materials

In complex functional materials, complexity comes from:

• the hierarchical and multiscale organization of matter involving various components (hybrid structures, heterostructure, composites)
• multifunctionality and synergy between different properties

Regarding the elaboration of multifunctional materials, one focuses on the combination of organic and/or inorganic bricks. These bricks can be atoms, molecules, polymers, nanoparticles, nanotubes...

Special emphasis is given to the control of the interactions between the components and of the interfaces that governs the formation and the properties of these systems (e.g. superhydrophobic effects...). The properties result from the properties of their individual components and the interaction between them. Adaptable, stimuli responsive systems can be obtained.

Applications concern electronics and spintronics, photonics, magnetism, spin valves and multiferroics, mechanics, catalysis, medicine and biology ...

Examples:

• For example in electrocatalysis, the cooperative behavior between the catalytically active nanoparticles distributed on a substrate/surface can lead to the emergence of novel behaviour of the system depending on the strength and the nature of the coupling existing in the system, either through diffusion, migration or a global couplings.