Marie‑Paule Pileni is a French chemist and professor of chemistry specializing in nanochemistry and colloidal science. She holds a position at the University of Strasbourg (University of Strasbourg, Faculty of Chemistry) and is a senior researcher with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), affiliated with the Institute of Materials and Microsystems (IREC) at the University of Strasbourg.
Education and Career
- Doctorate: Pileni earned her Ph.D. in chemistry, focusing on colloidal chemistry and nanomaterials.
- Academic Positions: After completing her doctorate, she conducted post‑doctoral research before joining the University of Strasbourg as a faculty member. She has risen through the ranks to become a full professor.
- Research Group: She leads the “Nanochemistry and Colloidal Chemistry” research team, which investigates the synthesis, self‑assembly, and functional properties of nanocrystals and nanostructured materials.
Research Contributions
- Oriented Attachment: Pileni’s work has significantly advanced understanding of the oriented‑attachment mechanism, whereby nanocrystals align and fuse to form larger crystalline structures. Her studies elucidate the role of interfacial chemistry and surfactants in directing this process.
- Nanocrystal Synthesis: She has developed solution‑phase methods for producing monodisperse metal, semiconductor, and oxide nanocrystals with controlled size, shape, and surface chemistry.
- Nanocrystal Superlattices: Pileni’s group has demonstrated the self‑assembly of nanocrystals into highly ordered superlattices, exploring their collective optical, electronic, and catalytic properties.
- Catalysis and Photocatalysis: Her research includes designing nanostructured catalysts for reactions such as water splitting and CO₂ reduction, emphasizing the impact of size‑dependent electronic effects.
- Biomimetic Materials: Pileni has investigated the synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials using biomolecules as templates or directing agents, bridging concepts from biology and materials science.
Selected Publications
- Pileni, M.-P., et al. “Oriented Attachment and Fusion of Nanocrystals.” Nature Materials, 2004.
- Pileni, M.-P., “Nanocrystal Superlattices: From Self‑Assembly to Collective Properties.” Chemical Reviews, 2010.
- Pileni, M.-P., “Solution‑Phase Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles with Controlled Morphology.” Accounts of Chemical Research, 2015.
Awards and Honors
- CNRS Silver Medal (2020) – Recognizing her contributions to nanochemistry.
- Grand Prix de la Recherche (2018) – Awarded by the French Academy of Sciences.
- Member, European Academy of Sciences and Arts.
- Invited Speaker, numerous international conferences on nanomaterials and colloidal chemistry.
Professional Activities
- Editorial board member for journals such as Journal of Materials Chemistry and Nanotechnology.
- Organizer of international workshops on nanocrystal synthesis and self‑assembly.
- Mentor for doctoral candidates and post‑doctoral researchers in the field of nanomaterials.
Impact Pileni’s interdisciplinary approach, integrating chemistry, physics, and materials science, has contributed to the development of novel nanomaterials with applications in catalysis, optics, and energy conversion. Her work is widely cited and has influenced both fundamental research and technological development in nanoscience.
