17 November 2023

14:50 – 15:35

Amphitheatre Faure

Ally Aukauloo

Ally Aukauloo completed his doctorate in chemistry in 1994. In 1995, he was elected Maitres de Conférences at Université Paris-Sud, where he worked on molecular magnetism. In 2000, after a stay at Stanford University USA, he began his research on artificial photosynthesis. He became full professor in 2007 in bioinorganic chemistry and distinguished professor in 2017. He was elected a senior member of the Institut Universitaire de France in 2021. He has also been a scientific advisor at CEA-Saclay since 2005. His research group focuses on molecular complex chemistry for water activation, CO2 reduction and organic semiconductors for water splitting.

Conference: How can we move from natural to artificial photosynthesis?

In the current context of energy transition, we urgently need to find alternative solutions to fossil fuels. Nature provides the solution, through the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthetic organisms are capable of transforming solar energy, water and CO2 into energy-rich molecules. Using these renewable sources to produce an energy carrier is the challenge facing chemists. The Artificial Photosynthesis group at ICMMO is involved in the development of molecular assemblies to carry out chemical transformations using light energy. This research involves optimizing light energy capture, charge accumulation and multi-electron catalysis. I will discuss these aspects.