Laboratoire de Réactivité et Chimie des Solides (LRCS)

The Laboratoire de Réactivité et Chimie des Solides (LRCS) was founded in 1968 by Michel Figlarz with the aim of inventing new methods for the synthesis of materials by using chimie douce 11 approaches, along with a strong expertise in electron microscopy. The LRCS is a mixed research unit of CNRS and Université de Picardie Jules Verne (UMR 7314). Our lab employed 10 permanent staff members in 1974; in 2016, we are nearly 80.

Combining our expertise in synthesis chemistry, electrochemistry and characterization techniques allows to bring about new solutions to improve energy systems such as rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion batteries, lithium-air, sodium-ion, lithium sulfur, all-solid state batteries…), hydrogen storage, dye-sensitized solar cells. In 2011, the laboratory was evaluated A+ by AERES, the national agency for evaluation of research and higher education laboratories.

LRCS is a research team involving 40 permanent and 34 non-permanent staff members from about a dozen different nationalities. Our CNRS and Université de Picardie Jules Verne researchers are experts in materials synthesis, electrochemistry, organic chemistry, formulation, modelling… Our team performs its tasks thanks to a large array of state-of- the-art equipment for characterization (X-ray diffraction, electron microscopes, spectroscopy/spectrometry devices) and for prototyping (calendering machine, coater, 18650 winder…). All these fields which are essential to innovate in energy storage and conversion!