The Laboratory of Physicochemistry of Polymers and Interfaces (LPPI-EA2528) of the CY Cergy Paris University is specialized in the synthesis and characterization of multicomponent materials mainly based on polymers. LPPI designs and creates new complex polymer architectures for applications in which usual materials are not enough efficient. The main know-how of the lab is the design of 2D and 3D complex polymer architectures, both structural and functional. One of the features of LPPI is to carry out the projects from the synthesis of polymer materials to the preparation and study of various devices such as actuators, batteries or fuel cell membranes, materials for supercapacitor electrodes…. These skills enable it to propose innovative solutions, even technological ruptures, in transversal and federating problems requiring structural or functional materials. This approach is mainly applied to the issues of storage and conversion of energy and to actuator materials. LPPI will lead in the area of teaching and training in the synthesis and characterization of materials for energy.
LPPI, in line with the CY Cergy Paris University’s objectives, endeavours to consolidate and develop its international network. For this, the chosen strategy was to develop international collaborations on the lab’s thematics that allow it (non-confidential), with renowned laboratories to which it provides its know-how. For instance, thanks to these relationships, the CY’s Chemistry Department was able to ratify 3 MOUs with the Chemistry Departments of Western Cape University (South Africa), Chiang Mai University (Thailand) and Chiba University (Japan).
Following the latest HCERES assessment, LPPI noted that most of studies carried out in these main application domains are related to sensors. The present IALab demand is now appropriated to clearly highlight this activity within LPPI as an emergent thematic; also the IALab will reinforce the sensors activities by relying on a competent laboratory in this field. HCERES also advised LPPI to become a CNRS team in the next years. To be one of this IALab’s drivers will be a real asset for this future CNRS accreditation application. An UMI may also be considered in the longer term.