Our laboratory

The Laboratory of Physicochemistry of Combustion Processes and Atmosphere (PC2A) is a Joint Research Unit of the CNRS and the University of Lille (Faculty of Science and Technology) (UMR 8522). In 2023, the unit has 29 permanent staff (8 CNRS researchers, 11 teacher-researchers, 6 ITA including 2 CDD, 7 BIATSS including 3 CDD) including 14 from CNRS, 18 from the University of Lille. As of November 1, 2022, 22 doctoral students and 2 post-doctoral students are part of the unit.

Its multidisciplinary activities are mainly oriented towards the study of atmospheric and combustion problems. The unit conducts both fundamental and applied research activities in the field of Physical Chemistry and Engineering Sciences.

One of the main objectives of the laboratory is to contribute to a better understanding of the physicochemical phenomena related to the major current societal challenges such as (1) clean, safe and efficient energies, (2) sober resource management, and (3) adaptation to climate change.

Thus, the actions carried out by the Unit cover different areas of interest:

- the energy aspect: combustion, aeronautics, transport

- environmental impacts: pollutants and pollution, physicochemistry of the atmosphere

- characterization of anthropogenic risks: air quality, nuclear safety, climate

The research developed at PC2A is based on a strong synergy between the development of sophisticated experiments and the implementation of appropriate modeling and simulation tools. It includes the characterization of chemical species and their reactivity, the determination of thermokinetic parameters, and the development of detailed or reduced kinetic mechanisms. The experimental approaches are mainly oriented towards flame structure analysis, engine combustion characterization, aeronautics, clean processes, atmospheric reactivity characterization, pollutant metrology and indoor and outdoor air quality assessment.

The laboratory has a wide recognition in the development of laser diagnostic methods, in the characterization of reactivity in gas and heterogeneous phase, as well as in the implementation of tools and models of kinetics and theoretical chemistry.

The multidisciplinary orientation of the laboratory's activities requires the development of research often at the disciplinary interfaces. This risky research allows the emergence of innovative themes in connection with the sectors of chemistry, physics, computer science, mechanics, health and human and social sciences.

The PC2A is involved in structured research programs at the local, national and international levels. Its collaboration policy is focused on the development of partnerships with private companies and organizations as well as with public institutions and authorities.

The PC2A is strongly involved in the training actions provided by the University of Lille (Faculty of Science and Technology), as well as in the training to and through research, via the reception of trainees, PhD students and post-doctoral fellows.

The laboratory is affiliated to the Doctoral School of Matter, Radiation and Environmental Sciences (SMRE ED 104).

Its staff is involved in the Chemistry and Physics-Chemistry bachelor's degree programs, as well as in the Chemistry and Physical and Analytical Chemistry sections of the Chemistry and Physical and Analytical Chemistry masters programs.