Abstract: An optical device, for detecting volatile compounds, comprises a sensitive reflecting element. The sensitive reflecting element comprises a substrate layer and at least one sensitive layer configured to allow volatile compounds to adsorb and desorb. An electrically conductive layer is between the substrate layer and the sensitive layer and is configured to heat the sensitive layer by Joule heating. A light source is placed to illuminate the sensitive layer. A light detector is configured to measure the light intensity reflected by the sensitive reflecting element. A computing and processing unit is also included. Also disclosed is a method for detecting and quantifying volatile compounds implementing the optical detecting device.

Abstract: Microtransfer molding process and patterned substrate obtainable therefrom The present invention pertains to the field of nanoimprint lithography (NIL) processes and more specifically to a MicroTransfer Molding process used for providing a sol-gel patterned layer on a substrate without any residual layer. The process comprises the following successive steps: (a) impregnating a soft mold with a sol-gel layer coated on a first substrate, under conditions of a relative solvent pressure adjusted such that the layer swells by vapor absorption between 10 and 60% vol.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of nanoimprint lithography (NIL) processes and more specifically to a soft NIL process used for providing a sol-gel patterned layer on a substrate. Specifically, this process comprises a step of adjusting the solvent uptake of the sol-gel film to 10 to 50% vol., preferably between 15 and 40% vol., by varying the relative pressure of the solvent while a soft mould is applied onto the substrate coated with the sol-gel film.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device for detecting and quantifying volatile compounds, comprising: a sensitive reflective element (21), the reflection rate of which varies as a function of the ethanol content contained in an atmosphere to be tested, the sensitive reflective element (21) comprising: a substrate (27), a sensitive layer (29) comprising microporous hydrophobic sol-gel silica, a light source (23) arranged to illuminate the sensitive layer (29) under an incident angle, a light detector (25) for measuring the intensity reflected by the reflective element (21) under an angle of detection, and a processing and calculation unit (31) configured to deduce from the intensity reflected by the reflective element (11) a parameter corresponding to a blood alcohol content.

Abstract: Microtransfer molding process and patterned substrate obtainable therefrom The present invention pertains to the field of nanoimprint lithography (NIL) processes and more specifically to a MicroTransfer Molding process used for providing a sol-gel patterned layer on a substrate without any residual layer. The process comprises the following successive steps: (a) impregnating a soft mold with a sol-gel layer coated on a first substrate, under conditions of a relative solvent pressure adjusted such that the layer swells by vapor absorption between 10 and 60% vol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing epitaxial ?-quartz layers on a solid substrate, to the material obtained according to this process, and to the various uses thereof, especially in the electronics field.

Abstract: An active glazing system (100) includes a double glazing, with two transparent plates (1a, 1b) that together delimit an intermediate volume (2) filled with gas. The system further includes a control device (10) that is capable of producing a transition in a volatile compound present in the intermediate volume, between a dry vapor state and a supersaturated vapor state of the volatile compound. Switching processes can therefore be controlled for the double glazing, between a transparent optical state and a diffusing optical state. Such a system can be used as building or vehicle glazing, an interior partition arrangement, a projection screen, a solar diffuser, a light source diffuser, a vision blurring device, etc.

Abstract: A surface coating method includes the steps of preparing a solution containing a solvent and a material or its precursor, intended to cover a surface to be coated, which is non-volatile, film-forming and soluble or can be in suspension or dispersed in a solvent; and generating an aerosol of the solution. The method further includes generating an aerosol flow from a first end of a tube towards a second end of the tube, wherein the second end pre-determined cross-section (Se) and provided with a spray nozzle having an outlet with a cross-section (S) smaller than the cross-section (Se) of the second end of the tube, such that the ratio R1=F/S is greater than 4 metres per second. The method also includes the steps of directing the outlet of the nozzle towards the surface to be coated and spraying the aerosol onto the surface to be coated.

Abstract: A process for depositing a layer on at least part of the surface of a substrate by at least partially submerging the substrate in a solution having a solvent and at least one compound intended to form the layer, then drying the substrate, the drying being at least partially carried out in an atmosphere that is isolated from the solution. The submersion in the solution and the drying of the substrate are carried out in the same controlled-atmosphere enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing epitaxial ?-quartz layers on a solid substrate, to the material obtained according to this process, and to the various uses thereof, especially in the electronics field.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing porous nanostructured ceramic bilayers resting on a substrate, to the bilayers obtained by the method, and to the various uses of same, in particular in micro and nanofluidics, optics, photocatalysis and for separating and detecting analytes or molecules of interest. The method includes: 1) a first step of forming a supported polymer cavity having oriented cylindrical porosity; 2) a second step of filling and covering the polymer cavity with a solution or a dispersion of at least one ceramic precursor, optionally functionalised, in an organic solvent; 3) a third step of eliminating the polymer cavity used in step 2) by thermal treatment.

Abstract: A process for depositing a layer on at least part of the surface of a substrate by at least partially submerging the substrate in a solution comprising a solvent and at least one compound intended to form the layer, then drying the substrate, this drying being at least partially carried out in an atmosphere that is isolated from the solution. The submersion in the solution and the drying of the substrate are carried out in the same controlled-atmosphere enclosure.

Abstract: An inorganic material that consists of at least two elementary spherical particles, each of said spherical particles comprising metal nanoparticles that are between 1 and 300 nm in size and a mesostructured matrix with an oxide base of at least one element X that is selected from the group that consists of aluminum, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, gallium, germanium, tin, antimony, lead, vanadium, iron, manganese, hafnium, niobium, tantalum, yttrium, cerium, gadolinium, europium and neodymium is described, whereby said matrix has a pore size of between 1.5 and 30 nm and has amorphous walls with a thickness of between 1 and 30 nm, said elementary spherical particles having a maximum diameter of 10 ?m. Said material can also contain zeolitic nanocrystals that are trapped within said mesostructured matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanostructured porous oxyfluoride film deposited onto a substrate, to a method for its production, and also to various applications. The oxyfluoride has a porous semicrystalline structure and a refractive index of 1.08 to 1.25, measured in the visible range for a relative humidity level below 80%. Its chemical composition corresponds to the formula (Mg(1?x)Cax)(1?y)MyF(2+(n?2)y?2z?t)Oz(OH)tM?w in which n is the valency of M, n being 1 to 4, M represents at least one element chosen from Al, Si, Ge and Ga, M? represents at least one element chosen from the group composed of Co, Cr, Ni, Fe, Cu, Sb, Ag, Pd, Cd, Au, Sn, Pb, Ce, Nd, Pr, Eu, Yb, Tb, Dy, Er and Gd, and 0?w<0.1; 0?x?1; 0?y?0.5; z<1; z+t>0 and t<2.

Abstract: A method and a porous article are provided. In said method, a porous article which comprises a matrix material in a solid state and pores therein, is processed at least some of the pores being open to an outer surface of the article. A flowing treatment substance is applied to the outer surface of the article and into at least some of the pores. The flowing treatment substance is allowed to react with the outer surface of the article and surfaces of said at least some of the pores such that a hydrophobic coating layer is established on surfaces thereof. An excess of the flowing treatment substance is removed from the article, and the hydrophobic coating layer established on the outer surface of the article is converted into a hydrophilic coating layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfluidic device for conveying substance by diffusion in a porous substrate from a substance injection zone to a substance arrival zone, which zones are connected by a substance-channeling zone. According to the invention, the porous substrate presents a free surface that is partially covered by a mask that is impermeable and that extends from the injection zone to the arrival zone in order to define the substance-channeling zone in the substrate so as to enable the substance to evaporate through a non-covered portion of the free surface.

Abstract: A material with a hierarchical porosity is described, constituted by at least two spherical elementary particles, each of said spherical particles comprising zeolitic nanocrystals having a pore size in the range 0.2 to 2 nm and a matrix based on silicon oxide, which is mesostructured, having a pore size in the range 1.5 to 30 nm and having amorphous walls with a thickness in the range 1 to 20 nm, said spherical elementary particles having a maximum diameter of 10 ?m. the matrix based on silicon oxide may contain aluminium. The preparation of said material is also described.

Abstract: A mesostructured aluminosilicate material is described, constituted by at least two spherical elementary particles, each of said spherical particles being constituted by a matrix based on silicon oxide and aluminum oxide, having a pore size in the range 1.5 to 30 nm, a Si/Al molar ratio of at least 1, having amorphous walls with a thickness in the range 1 to 20 nm, said spherical elementary particles having a maximum diameter of 10 ?m. A process for preparing said material and its application in the fields of refining and petrochemistry are also described.

Abstract: A mesostructured material that consists of at least two elementary spherical particles, each of said particles comprising a mesostructured matrix based on aluminum oxide and having a pore size of between 1.5 and 30 nm, an aluminum oxide content that represents more than 46% by weight relative to the mass of said matrix, which has amorphous walls with a thickness of between 1 and 30 nm and whereby said elementary spherical particles have a maximum diameter of 10 ?m, is described. Said mesostructured matrix can also contain silicon oxide. Each of the spherical particles of the mesostructured material can also contain zeolitic nanocrystals so as to form a material with a mixed porosity that is both mesostructured and zeolitic in nature. The preparation of said material is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanostructured porous oxyfluoride film deposited onto a substrate, to a method for its production, and also to various applications. The oxyfluoride has a porous semicrystalline structure and a refractive index of 1.08 to 1.25, measured in the visible range for a relative humidity level below 80%. Its chemical composition corresponds to the formula (Mg(1?x)Cax)(1?y)MyF(2+(n?2)y?2z?t)Oz (OH)tM?w in which n is the valency of M, n being 1 to 4, M represents at least one element chosen from Al, Si, Ge and Ga, M? represents at least one element chosen from the group composed of Co, Cr, Ni, Fe, Cu, Sb, Ag, Pd, Cd, Au, Sn, Pb, Ce, Nd, Pr, Eu, Yb, Tb, Dy, Er and Gd, and 0?w<0.1; 0?x?1; 0?y?0.5; z<1; z+t>0 and t<2.