Laurent Christian Piccolo

Laurent Christian Piccolo is a CNRS researcher specializing in surface science and heterogeneous catalysis at IRCELYON (Institute for Research on Catalysis and the Environment of Lyon), University of Lyon. He currently serves as deputy manager of the Heterogeneous Catalysis for Energy Transition (CATREN) research group and holds the position of Permanent Senior Researcher (DR CNRS) since 2022, having previously been a Permanent Associate Researcher (CR CNRS) from 2001-2021.

• Habilitation to direct research, University of Lyon, 2007: 'Surface science and catalysis by gold'
• PhD in Materials Science, Aix-Marseille University, 1999: 'Reactivity of Pd clusters supported on MgO(100)'
• Master in Materials Science/Surfaces and Interfaces, Aix-Marseille University, 1996

Dr. Piccolo's research focuses on metal ultradispersion and single-atom catalysis, CO₂ valorization through hydrogenation and electroreduction, and mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysis by metals and alloys. His work encompasses CO oxidation/PROX, selective (de)hydrogenation, selective ring opening, and the development of single-atom/ultradispersed catalysts, nanoparticles & nanoalloys. He employs ultrahigh vacuum science and various surface and bulk characterization techniques including AES, XPS, LEIS, STM, FTIR, XRD, TEM, and XAS.

His recent publications reveal strong trends in single-atom catalysis for CO₂ conversion and hydrogenation reactions, with particular emphasis on MXene-supported catalysts, Pt/CeO₂ systems, and Mo-based catalysts for CO₂ hydrogenation. His work combines advanced operando characterization with catalyst design for energy transition applications.

• CNRS/INC highlight: Transformer le CO₂ en méthanol "vert"
• ALBA synchrotron highlight: a new catalyst for the conversion of CO₂ to methanol

Dr. Piccolo leads the ANR ISAC project (2022-2025) on single-atom catalysts for selective hydrogenation and co-leads the ANR DuCaCO₂ project (2021-2025) for CO₂ capture and conversion. With over 100 peer-reviewed articles (50+ as corresponding author), 4300+ citations, and an H-index of 40, he has established himself as a leading researcher in heterogeneous catalysis for energy applications. His laboratory work focuses on developing catalysts for sustainable energy solutions, particularly in CO₂ conversion technologies.