Mathis Duguet: Fuelling the Future with Chemistry!

Mathis Duguet is a PhD student in chemistry at the Institut Lavoisier de Versailles (ILV - Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, CNRS) and at the laboratory for organic process chemistry (LCPB - Collège de France). His thesis focuses on "the encapsulation of polyoxometalates in porous hybrid materials for energy conversion".

Tell us about your thesis subject.

My thesis focuses on the invention, production, simulation and testing of materials that catalyse chemical reactions to create molecules with high valued-added energy. Solar energy is used to transform common molecules such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) or water into molecules that could be used as fuel.

One of the stated goals is to address the shortage of fossil fuels. We are told they will be exhausted soon, but by the time that happens global warming will far too advanced. The implicit goal is to solve current chemistry problems for the solar conversion of materials, preparing the ground for industries to use them on a larger scale in the future.

What is your academic background?

I did an international bachelor’s degree in chemistry in Bordeaux and completed my third year in Canada. When I returned, I joined the ENS de Lyon where I graduated with a Master’s in chemistry, specialised in the science of matter. Teaching and research were my main motivations. They are the two principal activities developed at the ENS. That is why I decided to do my thesis about catalysis applied to solar-energy conversion.

Why did you decide to participate in MT180?

I attended the MT180 final in 2016 in Bordeaux. I didn't know anything about the competition, but I liked the idea. I loved the concept so much, I decided to participate three years ago!

What do you intend to do when you finish your thesis?

I would like to teach. I will prepare for the exam to qualify for a year, and then teach at secondary-school level or in higher education. I would also like to explore how science is taught. That is what interests me the most: how to use chemistry as an educational tool, not just as a discipline.