Thomas Cottineau is a Chargé de recherche CNRS at the Institute of Chemistry and Processes for Energy, Environment and Health (ICPEES), a joint research unit of the CNRS and the University of Strasbourg. He leads research within the Photocatalysis and Photoconversion team, focusing on the development of semiconductor nanostructures for solar energy conversion and environmental applications. His work is situated at the intersection of materials science, electrochemistry, and nanotechnology. PhD in Materials Science, Solid-State Chemistry Specialization, University of Nantes, 2007 Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR), University of Strasbourg, 2022 Postdoctoral Researcher, LMSPC, Strasbourg, 2009–2014 Postdoctoral Researcher, UQAM, Montréal, 2008–2009 Engineering Degree in Materials Science, Ecole Polytechnique de l’Université de Nantes, 2004 Thomas Cottineau's primary research interests lie in photoelectrochemistry , solid state chemistry , and photocatalysis , with a strong focus on titania (TiO₂) nanostructures . His group specializes in synthesizing and modifying 1D TiO₂ nanostructures, such as nanoparticles and aligned nanotubes, through doping, co-doping, and co-catalyst deposition. The core applications of his research are the generation of solar fuels—specifically hydrogen via photoelectrochemical water splitting—and the remediation of pollutants in aqueous and gaseous environments. He has also developed expertise in innovative photoelectrochemical analysis methods, including scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy for rapid screening of material properties. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent and evolving research trajectory into advanced photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical materials. The articles highlight a strong trend towards optimizing material performance through strategic modifications like co-doping (e.g., Nb,N-TiO₂) and co-catalyst decoration, as well as developing novel synthesis and characterization techniques. A significant portion of his work is dedicated to fundamental studies of material properties and surface interactions, such as the investigation of organophosphorus compound detection on functionalized TiO₂ microcantilevers, which bridges his core expertise with sensor development. His scientific contributions have been recognized through competitive funding, including being the coordinator of the ANR BAGETE Young Researcher Project. He has also secured funding as a partner in several major collaborative projects such as ANR OSCARE, MITI NICE, PEPR H2 HYDRO, and FRCR HyPE. His grant portfolio also includes leadership of an IdEX CoDoTiN project and co-funding of PhD grants from the Grand Est Region. Thomas Cottineau has advised doctoral students, including Thomas Favet, whose PhD was co-funded by the Grand Est Region. His collaborative network is extensive, involving partnerships with materials chemists who develop novel semiconductors and physical chemists who provide access to advanced characterization techniques. His work is conducted within the state-of-the-art facilities of ICPEES, leveraging core technical platforms for material synthesis and analysis.
