Dr. Arsène Chemin
Science, Research & Communication
“Using light and colors to unravel the invisible and build a better future”
Passionate about my work, this website enables me to present my research as well as communicating on my work, what I do, why I do it, and explaining my research tools such as the synchrotron.
Today, fossil fuels are not only burned for energy but also used to produce essential materials like rubber, plastics, and medicines. To move away from fossil oil, we need a circular carbon economy—one where CO₂ is recycled into useful products instead of being released into the atmosphere.
In my research, I work on developing advanced materials that use sunlight and electricity to transform CO₂ into fuels and chemicals. By studying these materials at a fundamental level, I aim to create innovative solutions that help reduce our reliance on fossil resources and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable world.
Next to come
Associated Professor at the University of Lyon
Starting in January 2025, I will join Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 (UCBL) as an Associate Professor within the Institut Lumière Matière (ILM). After several rewarding years at Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, where I focused on photoactive materials for sustainable energy, I am excited to continue this mission in Lyon. My goal remains to drive scientific innovation while mentoring the next generation of researchers.
Tweet highlight
Last Publication
Did you know diamonds could revolutionize quantum sensing technology? 💎🔬 But achieving near-perfect surfaces is key. Our work introduces a novel model for energy-dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, enabling atomic-level depth profiling of surface chemistry. Excitingly, we uncover the formation of graphene-like islands! But the excitement doesn't end there. Our analysis using X-ray absorption spectroscopy unveils the position of unoccupied surface states within the diamond bandgap, offering more insights into stabilizing near-surface NV− centers.
Picture highlight
Diamonds are not just precious stones—they can also be grown in the lab and engineered into advanced materials for science and technology. In this image, taken with an electron microscope, you can see "diamond black" electrodes developed by my collaborator, Dr. Peter Knittel from the Fraunhofer Institute. These electrodes feature a surface covered with needle-like structures, designed to significantly increase the contact area with water, enhancing their efficiency in chemical reactions. This innovation highlights the incredible potential of diamond-based materials in cutting-edge research.