Charlène Boillereau

Maturation Engineer Topic : Controlled electrochemical deposition process, forming nanostructured films of a common metal oxide, like a natural mineral, on various supports

Charlène Boillereau, doctor in Chemistry from the University of Paris-Saclay, specializes in nanostructured materials for environmental applications, notably water pollution control. His academic background includes a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Sciences and Technologies of Lille, as well as a doctorate from the University of Paris-Saclay. She has completed several research internships, including studies on microplastics in Argentina and reduced sulfur species in Croatia. The thesis subject focused on the development and optimization of nanostructured thin films of manganese oxides synthesized by electrochemistry to depollute water. Several types of samples have been created and characterized for their effectiveness in degrading organic pollutants, notably Methylene Blue (MB). Tests have shown that the addition of electrochemistry significantly improves the degradation of pollutants, with increased production of organic acids and continuous regeneration of the material. Similar studies with carbamazepine have also shown promising results. In conclusion, these manganese oxide films provide a simple and environmentally friendly method to treat wastewater contaminated with dyes and drug residues, with high degradation efficiency and reduced energy costs.

Charlène has presented her work at international scientific conferences (NanoTech France, 2023 and GRUTTEE, 2022) and published articles in specialized journals: “BOILLEREAU, C. & PEULON, S. “An efficient eco-friendly water depollution process based on electrodeposited birnessite thin films coupled to electrochemistry: Application to methylene blue degradation as phenothiazines model molecule”. Journal of Water Process Engineering, 2023, vol.54, p.104024”. She has advanced technical skills in spectroscopy and electrochemistry, as well as project management. She notably led a team for a prematurity project at the University of Paris-Saclay and organized the NIMBE Doctoral Students’ Day. Charlène is trilingual, speaking French and English fluently, and having an intermediate level of Spanish.

Charlène is now a Maturation Engineer, and works on the “Oxyfilms” project, characterized by a controlled electrochemical deposition process, forming nanostructured films of a common metal oxide, like a natural mineral, on various supports. These films spontaneously break down organic pollutants into small molecules, leading to complete degradation (mineralization), while requiring little energy.

The use of a low electric current accelerates and amplifies this degradation, also making it possible to completely regenerate the films, thus avoiding their degradation or a reduction in their effectiveness. This process would eliminate a wide variety of current organic pollutants, thus helping to clean up water and the environment.

Link to the current project showcase: https://satt-paris-saclay.fr/vitrine-technologique/la-satt-paris-saclay-valorise-le-projet-oxyfilms/