Mr. Gael Plantard | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Gael Plantard, National Center for Scientific Research, France

Gael Plantard is a University Professor in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) and a researcher at the PROMES laboratory (Processes, Materials, and Solar Energy Laboratory – UPR 8521). Since joining the Storage for Photochemical and Energetic Helioprocesses team in 2006, he has focused on advancing solar technologies through the development of photocatalytic materials and photochemical processes. His research spans the optimization of photoreactors, understanding radiative transfer, and validating solar installations, particularly for environmental applications like water treatment. Gaël earned his Habilitation to Supervise Research in 2014 and was appointed University Professor in 2018. With over 50 publications and significant contributions to 20 national and international projects, he has established a strong reputation in the scientific community. He has supervised 14 doctoral theses and numerous master’s and postdoctoral researchers, fostering collaborations with academic and industrial partners. Recognized for his excellence in research, he is a recipient of the Occitanie Region “Chercheur Avenir” award (2013), the PES Scientific Excellence Award (2018-2022), and has been nominated for prestigious paper awards. In addition to his research, he holds leadership roles in multiple scientific federations, including the FEDESOL and FREE research groups, and serves on the academic councils of UPVD. Gaël is also an invited speaker and session chair at international conferences, reflecting his expertise in solar energy and sustainable processes.

Professional Profile 🎓

Scopus

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award 🌍

Gael Plantard stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to solar photocatalysis and sustainable energy research. With over 50 high-impact publications and leadership in 20 research projects at national and international levels, he has made significant advancements in developing innovative materials and photoreactors for solar energy applications. His work directly addresses critical global challenges, such as water treatment and renewable energy solutions.

Education 📚

Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR):
- Year: 2014
- Institution: University of Perpignan Via Domitia
- Focus: Photocatalytic materials and photochemical processes.
PhD:
- Institution: Likely University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) or a related institution.
- Field: Chemical and Process Engineering or related area.

Work Experience 💼

University Professor
- Institution: University of Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD), Chemical and Process Engineering Department.
- Duration: 2018–Present.
Researcher – PROMES Laboratory
- Laboratory: Processes, Materials, and Solar Energy Laboratory (UPR 8521).
- Team: Storage for Photochemical and Energetic Helioprocesses.
- Duration: Joined in 2006.
Head of Department – Chemical and Process Engineering
- Institution: University Institute of Technology (IUT), UPVD.
- Duration: 2009–2015.
Elected Member (2020–2024)
- Roles within UPVD:
  - Board of Directors (College A PR/Rank 1).
  - Restricted Council (Professor of the University).
  - University Training Commission.
  - Central Council.
Scientific Leadership Roles
- Team Leader: “Water-Energy Action” team under the PROMES Laboratory’s SCS axis.
- Coordinator: Expertise for the Master Project University of Science and Technology Hanoi (2020–2024).

Awards and Recognitions 🏅

Occitanie Region “Chercheur Avenir” Award (2013)
- Awarded for the project “Hybridation et optimisation d’un procédé d’héliocatalyse et d’un procédé de filtration membranaire : application au traitement des eaux de STEP”.
Scientific Excellence Award (PES)
- Recognized for the period 2018–2022.
Nomination for Frans Habraken Best Paper Award (2022)
- For the article: “Low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma of TiO2-baser nanocomposite coatings on open-cell polymer foams for photocatalytic water treatment” published in Applied Surface Science.
Chairman of the session “Nanotechnology for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, Storage and Novel Generation” (2023)
- Presented at The 11th Annual World Congress of Nano Science and Technologies in Barcelona.
Invited Speaker (2023)
- Delivered the talk “Shaping of photocatalytic materials for solar energy conversion” at The 11th Annual World Congress of Nano Science and Technologies, Barcelona.

Research Skills 🔬

Photocatalytic Materials Development
- Expertise in developing innovative photocatalytic materials to enhance photoreactor performance.
Photochemical Process Optimization
- Skilled in experimental and theoretical approaches to control and optimize photochemical processes, with a focus on solar applications.
Solar Energy Utilization
- Specialized in the integration of solar energy into chemical and biological processes, including validation at a semi-industrial scale.
Radiative Transfer Analysis
- Proficient in experimental and theoretical coupled approaches for radiative transfer analysis in photoreactors.
Material Synthesis and Characterization
- Developed activated carbon/TiO2 composites and TiO2-based nanocomposites for environmental and solar applications.

Publication Top Notes 📖

Trials and in silico simulations to predict daily photo-oxidative capacity under solar conditions: A case study on the inactivation of an oyster pathogenic bacteria, Vibrio harveyi

Dispersed plug flow photocatalytic reactor using TiO₂-coated foams, 2D modeling, and experimental operating mode

Removal efficiencies for 52 pesticides and pharmaceuticals from wastewater effluent by coupling solar heterogeneous photo-oxidation with TiO₂ and infiltration in saturated soil column