Jean-François Boily – Molecular Geochemistry at Umeå University

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Research

My research activities are chiefly focused on geochemical reactions at mineral surfaces, and connect scales of molecules, single mineral particles, to single macroscopic crystals. Examples of interest include thin water and ice films, ice nucleation & growth, interfacial electrochemistry.

Our approach is multidisciplinary, and we routinely blend experiment with theory. Main experimental approaches include vibrational (FTIR, Raman, Sum Frequency Generation) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrochemical methods include Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM). Interpretations of laboratory observations are always assisted by molecular simulations (Molecular Dynamics, Density Functional Theory) of representative systems. Reaction mechanisms are often packaged into thermodynamic/kinetic models that can be used to predict atmospheric and geochemical processes.

Salient Funded Projects

Swedish Research Council

Rust in Ice (2021-2024)

Chemistry Within the Confines of Mineral-Bound Thin Water Films (2017-2020)

Mineral Surface Structural Controls on Gas-Phase Adsorption Reactions (2013-2016)

Molecular Controls on CO₂ Adsorption on Mineral Surfaces (2010-2012)

Formas

Direct Mineralization of Atmospheric CO₂ by Enhanced Weathering (2023-2024)

CNRS (International Research Project)

Freeze/thaw controls on coupled water flow and chemical reactivity in icy environments (2023-2027) (w/ K. Hanna, Renne Institut of Chemical Sciences).