Separative Chemistry, Materials, and Processes (MAT P2)

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The purpose of this course on solution chemistry is to introduce the various concepts necessary for studying the complex liquid mixtures used in separative chemistry. The approach taken is primarily thermodynamic. In particular, the course explains the role of concentration effects, beyond the ideal laws that apply only to dilute solutions.

CM: 12:00 p.m.

TD: 8 H

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This lecture, delivered entirely in English, provides a basic introduction to crystallography and electron diffraction for beginners. X-ray diffraction is an important characterization technique in modern chemistry; the majority of crystalline structures in inorganic and organic solids have been determined using this method. It is therefore important for all students to understand its basic concepts and instrumentation. The course explains the principles of X-ray diffraction, along with the geometry and symmetry of X-ray patterns. In addition to the principles of interaction between X-rays and matter, it covers how to obtain quantitative intensities for single-crystal and powder diffraction patterns. It naturally includes an understanding of lattice planes and the concept of the reciprocal lattice, along with the construction of the Ewald sphere. Furthermore, it provides a basic understanding of the Fourier transform relationship between the crystalline structure and the diffracted intensities, as well as the concept of the reciprocal lattice.

Electron diffraction is a technique that complements X-ray diffraction and provides information on the symmetry and geometry of the materials under study. In this course, we will therefore explore the methods for obtaining electron diffraction patterns and interpreting them. We will be able to determine the lattice parameters, the reflection conditions, and the possible space groups.

This lecture also serves as an introduction to the lecture "Electron Microscopy and Crystallography II"

CM: 14

TD: 6

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- Review of the thermodynamics of single-component systems.

- Fundamentals of thermodynamics for multicomponent systems. Chemical potential, the Gibbs-Duhem relation, variance.

- Overview of thermal analysis techniques used to construct binary and ternary phase diagrams: ATG, ATD, and DSC

- Construction and interpretation of binary phase diagrams based on thermodynamic variables. Gibbs free energy, pressure, and temperature diagrams as functions of the composition of the binary mixture. Liquid-liquid, liquid-vapor, and solid-liquid mixtures.

- Phase transitions: first- and second-order transitions, critical points. Examples.

- The supercritical state: definition, thermodynamic properties, and the most widespread industrial applications.

- Construction and interpretation of ternary phase diagrams: variance, definitions of ternary eutectics, first- and second-order peritectics, isothermal sections, and study of alloy cooling.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 13

TD: 7

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This course covers the various fundamental elements necessary for understanding natural and artificial radioactive phenomena. The goal is to establish a comprehensive understanding of concepts related to radioactive decay, natural radioactive families and their associated environmental impacts, dating methods, methods for producing radionuclides and their applications in various fields, as well as anthropogenic contributions. Various examples from fields such as industry, nuclear energy, radiochemistry, geochemistry, and nuclear medicine will be used to illustrate the basic concepts covered.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 12:00 p.m.

TD: 8:00 a.m.

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Polymers are all around us: we eat them, we wear them, and we build extremely complex structures out of them. From mature technologies to the most innovative materials, polymers are a crucial building block for shaping the world of tomorrow. In this course, we will cover several topics, including the controlled synthesis of polymers and cross-linked materials, surface modification using polymers, some characterization tools suited for polymers, and, finally, a section on the latest advances involving polymers.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 1:00 p.m.

            TD: 7:00 a.m.

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A general overview of the chemistry of actinide elements in aqueous solution will be presented, covering concepts such as thermodynamics and kinetics, redox potentials, hydrolysis, and complexation. To illustrate these concepts, specific examples from industry, recycling, and the environment will be discussed.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 11:00 a.m.

            TD: 9 a.m.

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The HAC720C module covers “advanced inorganic materials” in five main sections. The^first section is devoted to general principles of inorganic materials and addresses structure-property relationships; particular attention is given to chemical bonding, the real crystal, and polycrystalline solids; the various classes of inorganic materials are described. The^second part focuses on ceramic materials (definitions and properties) and their synthesis (raw materials, including clays; shaping; drying and debinding; sintering); a distinction is made between traditional ceramics and technical ceramics (synthesis routes for oxide and non-oxide ceramics). Part³ covers glasses (classification and synthesis methods) and glass-ceramics (devitrification and soft chemistry); their properties and applications are also discussed. Part⁴ is dedicated to metals: properties of metals and metal alloys; metal nanoparticles; and catalytic materials. Part⁵ is devoted to inorganic materials developed for energy applications; ceramics (oxide and non-oxide; nanostructured) and metal hydrides are described (properties and synthesis) through several examples and in the context of their applications (batteries, hydrogen storage, and carbon dioxide capture).

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 1:00 p.m.

TD: 7:00 a.m.

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This course unit provides students with foundational knowledge and cross-disciplinary skills in the field of colloids and interfaces, which are common to the various tracks within the Master’s in Chemistry program (Materials Chemistry, Separation Chemistry, Materials and Processes, ICAP Cosmetic Engineering, and Biomolecular Chemistry). It is also offered to international students enrolled in the SFRI program at the University of Montpellier, where instruction is conducted in English. An introductory presentation covering basic notions and concepts will help students discover and better understand the main physicochemical properties of colloidal dispersions, associative colloids, and macromolecular solutions, as well as the parameters and phenomena governing stability in colloidal dispersions and mixed solution-colloid systems. Next, an interdisciplinary practical course based on the flipped classroom model will be offered to help students build and deepen their knowledge through individual and group analysis of the various applications of colloidal and interfacial phenomena and systems.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 7

TD: 13

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NMR:

Liquid-phase NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) is an essential spectroscopic analytical method for chemists, enabling, in particular, the determination of the structure of small organic molecules or macromolecules in solution, as well as the study of dynamic phenomena... The objective of this course unit is to understand the phenomena involved in this technique and to relate them to the various structural insights provided by this method. The goal is to be able to interpret the spectral data obtained from this analysis to elucidate the structure and stereochemistry of organic molecules or the structures of polymers, or to monitor reactions.

X-ray diffraction:

X-ray diffraction is a powerful, non-destructive technique for characterizing the crystalline structure of materials; it is also capable of providing crystallographic and structural information, such as lattice parameters and atomic positions. This includes all crystalline materials, such as ceramics, materials for energy and information storage and processing, as well as organic molecules and metal complexes (interatomic distances and angles, stereochemistry (chirality, stereoisomerism, etc.), intra- and intermolecular bonds, etc.). The objective of this course unit is to provide an introduction to crystallography and diffraction, with the goal of understanding the operation and characteristics of an X-ray diffractometer, as well as interpreting diffraction patterns (structural analysis, lattice parameters).

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 10

            TD: 10

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This course unit will cover the fundamental concepts and practical tools of chemometrics through: - statistical data analysis;

• the laws of probability;
• confidence interval estimation;
• parametric and nonparametric tests.

An introduction to experimental design will be offered at the end of the module.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 7 a.m.

TD: 1:00 p.m.

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The syllabus for this course unit focuses on describing the principles and applications of the main methods used for the structural characterization of solids, thin films, surfaces, and interfaces, as well as several examples of their applications in materials chemistry. It covers the following techniques.

• Introduction to Solid-State NMR (NMR Signals, Interactions in Solid-State NMR, Magic-Angle Rotation, NMR Sequences, Cross-Polarization, Instrumentation, etc.)
• Electron microscopy: principles and applications of scanning and transmission electron microscopy and related techniques (EDS microanalysis).
• Spectroscopic methods: Raman spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy (XAS, XRF, etc.), Mössbauer spectrometry.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 10 a.m.

            TD: 10 a.m.

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This course is designed to build on the fundamentals of organic chemistry and coordination chemistry covered in the third year of the bachelor’s program and to introduce concepts related to molecular engineering and molecular chemistry. The course consists of lectures and tutorials. Students will prepare for certain lectures and tutorials using provided course materials, enabling them to actively participate in class and tutorials, understand the concepts presented, and acquire the necessary skills. A study plan and related activities will be provided. For students who have not covered the fundamentals of coordination chemistry and organic chemistry, relevant materials will be made available.

Coordination Chemistry: The course will cover various aspects of transition metal and lanthanide complexes, molecular materials (polynuclear complexes and coordination polymers with extended structures, such as MOFs, etc.), as well as their properties and applications. Structural aspects, bond characterization, properties, and issues related to stability and reactivity will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on the complexation effect and the stability of complexes of metals, lanthanides, and actinides with certain ligands, with a view to applications in the biomedical field (imaging and therapy), decontamination (nuclear field), etc. The electronic properties (relaxivity, magnetism) and optical properties (absorption, luminescence) of these complexes will be discussed and placed in the context of applications in various fields, such as imaging, electronics, sensors, etc.

Organic Chemistry: This course builds on the knowledge acquired during the Bachelor’s program and will provide a systematic study of the main reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry, establishing a common foundation for all students in the Master’s in Chemistry program. The main processes (substitution, addition, elimination, transposition, etc.) and their essential characteristics and applications to mechanistic sequences will be examined. This course is designed to equip students with general tools for analyzing mechanisms (ionic, radical, and concerted) so they can understand these mechanisms in all their variety.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 1:00 p.m.

TD: 7 H

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The professional project bridges the gap between traditional practical work and laboratory or industry internships. It takes the form of a supervised project in which students are placed in a professional setting through collaborative (group) work based on the completion of a project addressing a problem identified by a company, local government, nonprofit organization, or academic institution. It is part of the core curriculum of the Master’s in Chemistry and is carried out under the supervision of a faculty member or industry professional serving as a mentor. Conducted throughout the semester, this project aims to integrate and reinforce the knowledge and skills acquired during the undergraduate and early Master’s programs through this professional scenario. These real-world scenarios will be directly related to the Master’s track chosen by the students. In addition to disciplinary skills in chemistry, students will also acquire interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills—which are intrinsically linked to project management—thereby equipping them for their future professional careers.

Addressing a research problem: an example of the synthesis of new phosphorescent materials.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 5 hours

TD: 5 hours

Practical Training: 40 hours

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This course covers various aspects of radiochemistry and chemistry at the tracer level. After describing the chemical properties of radioelements and discussing the scaling factors associated with the use of radioelements/radionuclides at the tracer level, the concepts of microcomponents and macrocomponents will be addressed, along with the kinetic and thermodynamic effects on reaction kinetics. Next, the various commonly used radiochemical methods will be introduced: extraction and purification methods, the use of radioactive stocks, methods such as electrodeposition, co-crystallization, or entrainment precipitation, as well as isotopic labeling and dilution.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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A 2- to 4-month internship must be completed in a research laboratory or a company specializing in extractive or separative chemistry, recycling chemistry, radiochemistry, materials chemistry, or process chemistry. Students will thus have the opportunity to complete this capstone internship in academic research laboratories or industrial facilities. Subject to prior approval by the faculty (the internship topic must be related to the master’s program curriculum, and the environment and resources must be adequate), students may seek a host team in an academic setting at the institutes of the Chemistry Cluster at the University of Montpellier, in academic laboratories outside the University of Montpellier (in France or abroad), or in the private sector (in France or abroad). 

This internship, which lasts 2 to 4 months, may begin in early May and will be preceded by the submission of a bibliographic report related to the internship topic and an oral defense before a panel.

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This course is shared among MI students in the Master’s in Chemistry program: ICAP P1, ICAP P2, MAT P1, MAT P2, and BM (second semester). The following topics will be covered:

• The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry and Units of Measurement in Green Chemistry;
• Synthesis Strategies in Sustainable Chemistry;
• Alternative or environmentally friendly solvents for synthesis and extraction;
• Unconventional Activation Techniques and Applications.

CM: 13

TD: 7 H

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In the first part of this course unit, a general overview of radiation-matter interactions will be presented, covering the various types of interactions and their associated detection methods. The second part will cover all aspects of radiation protection, focusing on the effects of radiation on living matter as well as appropriate protective measures for humans and the environment.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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The goal of this course is to enable students with a background in chemistry to understand the fundamentals of process engineering.

The course consists of two main parts, both of which are illustrated by the same process.

In the first part of the course, a drying process will be used to introduce the most common heat and mass transfer phenomena encountered in process engineering, from which the dimensionless numbers can be derived. In the second part, the thermodynamic properties of air/water vapor mixtures will be used to derive basic sizing rules for the same drying process.

This course will be taught entirely in English.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 10

TD: 10

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"Hybrid" materials constitute a new class of materials that combine organic ligands linking inorganic units; they are being studied more and more, both from a fundamental and an applied perspective.

In this course unit, two main categories of hybrid materials will be covered:

• Coordination Networks and Metal-Organic Frameworks
• Organosilicon/carbon materials

CM: 10 a.m.

TD: 10 a.m.

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This course will provide a general overview of confinement materials by addressing the desired performance properties, the different classes of confinement matrices, and the associated synthesis methods. It will also describe the structure-property relationships related to the confinement of radionuclides and/or toxic chemical elements. The materials covered will include glass, glass-ceramics, and ceramics.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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A general approach to liquid-liquid extraction will be developed through the concepts of thermodynamics and kinetics, with the aim of understanding the mechanisms responsible for extraction as well as the processes occurring at the liquid-liquid interface. The fundamental aspects of other types of extraction (liquid-solid, supercritical fluid extraction, and distillation) will also be covered.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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In this course, a general overview of chemistry in non-aqueous solvents at high temperatures will be presented through concepts such as chemical reactivity and the physicochemical and thermochemical properties of oxides, salts, and molten metals. Several case studies will be discussed, particularly those related to the fuel cycle and recycling chemistry.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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This learning unit will explore, in small groups or through individualized instruction, educational tools and best practices related to communication and career integration, through:

• assessments of knowledge, skills, competencies, interpersonal skills, and motivation;
• raising awareness of job-search techniques;
• CV and cover letter writing;
• rules for oral and written communication;
• mock job interviews.

Practical exercises directly related to the industries targeted by the students’ respective programs will be offered.

TP: 8:00 p.m.

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This course covers the various aspects of the current fuel cycle and future nuclear cycles. The course will cover, in sequence, concepts related to the front end of the cycle (mineral resources, uranium extraction and purification, isotopic enrichment), the passage of fuel through nuclear reactors, and the back end of the cycle (reprocessing of spent fuel, recycling of recoverable materials and fuel remanufacturing, and management of final nuclear waste). This will be followed by a discussion of several aspects related to future nuclear fuel cycles, including the use of unconventional resources, advanced separation concepts, and the development of fourth-generation reactors.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 3:00 p.m.

            TD: 5 hours

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A general overview of the coordination chemistry of the f-elements will be presented through the concepts of atomistics, oxidation state, and coordination polyhedra, with the aim of highlighting the specific characteristics of the f-elements. Direct comparisons will be made with the coordination chemistry of transition metals, and applications related to nuclear chemistry will be discussed.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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This course covers the concepts necessary to understand the effects of irradiation on ceramic materials (fuels, specific containment matrices). In the case of nuclear fuel materials, the focus will be on analyzing degradation phenomena within the materials (localized defects, extended defects) as well as the associated effects on long-term behavior under storage or interim storage conditions. In this context, the interaction between irradiation and leaching will also be addressed.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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The curriculum for this course unit focuses on a hands-on approach to the fundamental concepts of radiochemistry, separative chemistry, and conversion processes. These concepts will be applied through specific examples.

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A general overview of the supramolecular chemistry of f-block elements will be presented, covering concepts such as molecular recognition, the specific physicochemical properties of the lanthanides and actinides, and supramolecular materials.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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This course covers various aspects related to the measurement of radionuclides in solution, as well as the analytical strategy required to achieve a reliable measurement. All radiochemical techniques will be introduced, including isotopic labeling and dilution, as well as separation and purification methods performed prior to radioactive measurement. A significant part of this course will also focus on selecting instrumental techniques based on the radionuclide in question, expressing measurement results while accounting for measurement uncertainties, and the statistical approach associated with nuclear counting.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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The purpose of this modeling course is to introduce modern methods of modeling matter that can be used to study separative chemistry and complex systems. The goal is to present the various scales of description used to describe chemistry, ranging from molecular simulations to thermodynamic models such as those used in chemical engineering. Particular emphasis is placed on statistical thermodynamics, which serves as a bridge between these scales of description.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 12:00 p.m.

TD: 8 H

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This course covers various aspects related to the synthesis and remanufacturing of nuclear fuels. Following a description of the different categories of nuclear fuels, the manufacturing processes used on an industrial scale will be discussed. The various methods of reprocessing (recycling), conversion, and remanufacturing of fuels will be described. The constraints associated with optimizing new fuel materials for Generation III and IV reactors will be discussed, with an emphasis on how these constraints on the materials and their environment have evolved.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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This course covers the concepts necessary for understanding the dissolution, leaching, or weathering of ceramic materials. In the case of nuclear fuel materials, the focus will be on analyzing degradation phenomena under aggressive conditions representative of a recycling or reprocessing stage, as well as those related to their weathering under “milder” conditions representative of direct storage in deep geological formations.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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This course covers the essential concepts needed to understand the upstream portion of the nuclear fuel cycle and sheds light on the role of nuclear energy in the current energy mix. The topics covered range from the extraction and concentration of uranium in conventional and unconventional mines to the fabrication of nuclear fuel, including isotopic conversion and enrichment techniques.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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The purpose of this course in separation chemistry is to introduce the various concepts necessary for the study of separation chemistry. The goal is to present the role of the different interactions present in complex systems, as well as their role in separation. The experimental measurement of these various effects, their practical representation, and their connection to interfacial phenomena are also covered.

Hourly volumes*:

CM: 12:00 p.m.

TD: 8 H

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This course covers various aspects related to the synthesis, characterization, and long-term behavior of glass matrices. The first topic, concerning the methodology for studying the long-term behavior of glass matrices under aging conditions, will be explored in detail, with particular emphasis on the initial characteristics of the materials, the key phenomena governing their behavior, and the appropriate predictive models. Subsequently, the phenomena of leaching and radiation-induced aging of glass materials will be discussed. These concepts will be illustrated through a case study on the long-term behavior of nuclear glasses.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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This course will cover the various techniques available for the decommissioning and decontamination of nuclear facilities. After describing the challenges and operations involved in facility decommissioning, as well as the available measurement tools (imagers, gamma spectrometers, etc.), the available decontamination methods will be presented based on the nature of the objects to be decontaminated (conventional decontamination methods or methods using complex fluids). Several innovative techniques for decontaminating contaminated surfaces will be discussed (conventional decontamination methods, micellar solutions, gels, foams, and supercritical fluids).

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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This course focuses on membrane separation processes and liquid-liquid extraction. The section on membrane separation processes will first cover conventional liquid-phase separation processes (microfiltration, ultrafiltration, etc.) and gas treatment. More innovative processes, such as membrane contactors and membrane reactors, will be covered in a second section. The section on liquid-liquid extraction processes will begin with a general overview, which will then provide the foundation for understanding the PUREX process used in spent fuel reprocessing. A final section will cover methods for modeling liquid-liquid extraction operations.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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This course aims to provide a better understanding of the chemical behavior of radionuclides under environmental conditions. To this end, the concept of speciation in various environmental compartments will be introduced, as well as the various techniques that contribute to the overall analysis. The focus will be on X-ray absorption, X-ray fluorescence imaging, transmission electron microscopy, and SIMS. The speciation results will then be correlated with potential environmental impacts.

Hourly volumes*:

            CM: 12:00 p.m.

            TD: 8:00 a.m.

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Scientific Information: This course aims to familiarize students with scientific research and information management. As part of this, recent bibliographic search tools will be explained and used during lectures and tutorials (Electronic resources: SciFinder / ISIS / Beilstein). Training on the features of Zotero and the use of the electronic lab notebook will also be provided. The writing and analysis of scientific publications will be covered.

Bibliographic Project: Tools for researching scientific information will be applied to a real-world scenario. The teaching team will assign each student a bibliographic topic related to the specialization they have chosen. If necessary, this bibliographic topic may be defined in consultation with the host organization where the internship will take place.

For this personal project, the student will have access to all the bibliographic resources available at the university or the host company. The bibliographic research may be combined with the English course to prepare for an oral presentation similar to one given at an international conference.

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The internship, lasting 4 to 6 months, must be completed in a research laboratory or a company specializing in extractive or separative chemistry, recycling chemistry, radiochemistry, materials chemistry, or process chemistry. Students will thus have the opportunity to complete this end-of-program internship in academic research laboratories or industrial facilities. Subject to prior approval by the academic staff (internship topic must be related to the master’s program curriculum and the environment/resources must be adequate), students may seek a host team in an academic setting at the institutes of the Chemistry Cluster at the University of Montpellier, in academic laboratories outside the University of Montpellier (in France or abroad), or in the private sector (in France or abroad). 

This 4- to 6-month internship may begin in early March and will be preceded by the submission of a bibliographic report related to the internship topic and an oral defense before a panel.

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