Laurent Djakovitch

Laurent Djakovitch is a senior researcher at IRCELYON (University of Lyon 1), specializing in palladium catalysis, biomass upgrading, and lignin valorisation. His work bridges homogeneous/heterogeneous catalysis with applications in fine chemical synthesis and sustainable chemistry.

• University of Lyon 1: HDR in Heterogeneous Catalysis (2005)
• University of Bordeaux I: PhD in Organic and Organometallic Chemistry (1995)
• University of Bordeaux I: Diploma of Advanced Studies in Organic Chemistry (1990)

His research focuses on lignin valorisation to produce high-value aromatic molecules (e.g., vanillin), heterogeneous/homogeneous catalyst development for cross-coupling reactions, and green chemical processes using trickle-bed and microreactors. He explores one-pot synthesis of bioactive compounds and modifies biopolymers like chitosan via palladium-telomerization to create hydrophobic-hydrophilic materials.

Recent publications emphasize alkaline aerobic lignin depolymerization and continuous flow reactor systems for biomass upgrading. His catalytic work spans batch reactor studies (up to 200 bar) and high-pressure microreactors (up to 100 bar) for lignin and black liquor conversion.

Scientific Awards:

• Rhône-Poulenc Foundation Fellowship (1990)
• Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (1995)
• Marie-Curie Fellowship (1997)

Laurent Djakovitch has supervised numerous PhD students, post-doctoral researchers, and trainees (DUT/MASTER). He leads projects like ANR-funded CATHECLOSM and coordinates international collaborations, including the GDRI action on green lignin synthesis with Russia. His lab, C'Durable at IRCELYON, integrates catalyst characterization (X-ray diffraction, NMR, Raman) and reactor engineering for biomass-to-chemicals processes.