Abdoulaye Kane, a lecturer and researcher in Sustainable Process Engineering, Deputy Director of the ECLORE research unit and Director of Research at UniLaSalle's Rennes Campus, has been awarded his Habilitation à Direire des Recherches (HDR) following his defense, which took place on June 11, 2025 at UniLaSalle Rennes. Congratulations!

Abdoulaye KANE's work focuses on the following topic: " Process Intensification: From Fundamental Innovation to Sustainable Solutions for the Treatment and Valorization of Effluents and Biomass"

Abstract

This work, carried out as part of the process of obtaining my Accreditation to Supervise Research, aims to trace my academic and scientific journey, highlight my research contributions, and present my medium and long-term perspectives. It demonstrates my ability to propose, structure, and supervise research projects, both from a scientific standpoint and in terms of their strategic implementation. This entire dissertation sheds light on the work I have conducted in the fields of effluent treatment and process intensification, in connection with current challenges related to sustainability, technological innovation, and interaction with the socio-economic world.

Since my appointment at UniLaSalle Rennes as a teacher-researcher, my research activities have developed around the physico-chemical treatment of liquid and gaseous effluents. These activities encompass a variety of approaches, ranging from the development of innovative processes to hybrid processes integrating biological dimensions, for example. All of this work aligns with a logic of process intensification, aiming to improve treatment efficiency while reducing environmental impact. This first part of the dissertation thus offers a reflection on my past and current research activities, with particular attention to the links between scientific innovation, technological feasibility, and environmental relevance.

The second part of the dissertation is devoted to the presentation of two research projects. The first focuses on the remediation of polluted water through the use of ultrasound-based processes, integrated within an intensification strategy. Although such processes have been studied since the 1990s for the treatment of organic pollutants and sludge, their effectiveness remains limited by reactor design. This project aims to optimize these processes by improving their design through microstructuring of supports, as well as enhancing their performance through the addition of catalysts or chemical oxidants, which are still underexplored in this specific context. The second project focuses on the development of innovative materials for the degradation of persistent pollutants such as PFAS. It relies on the use of carbon-based Quantum Dots (CQDs), capable of converting visible light into higher-energy forms, thereby enabling efficient photocatalytic reactions. These nanomaterials, still scarcely studied as standalone photocatalysts, hold significant potential. The project also incorporates artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, to optimize synthesis conditions and predict material performance. Ultimately, this approach aims to design targeted solutions for water treatment, while aligning with circular economy principles.
 

Defense Jury

• Mr Ridha MOSRATI, Professor, University of Caen, Rapporteur
• Mrs Marie-Hélène MANERO, Professor ENSIACET Toulouse, Rapporteur
• Mr Chedly TIZAOUI, Professor Swansea University, United Kingdom, Rapporteur
• Mr Abdeltif AMRANE, Professor, University of Rennes, ISCR, Examiner
• Mr Amine Aymen ASSADI, Professor, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud, Saudi Arabia, Examiner
• Mme Claire GERENTE, Associate Professor HDR, IMT Atlantique, Examiner
• Mr. Gerard GRUAU, Director of Research, Université de Rennes, Examiner