Welcome at ICSM

Developing research for a sustainable nuclear industry and alternative energies

Innovating for Extraction and Recycling

Technological Breakthroughs and Phenomenological Understanding of Separation Chemistry Processes

Optimizing the Life Cycle of Materials for Energy

Material Durability Based on Their Synthesis for Decarbonized Energies

Developing Methodologies and Theories for Separation Chemistry

Development and Enhancement of Experimental and Multiscale Modeling Tools

The ICSM's eight research laboratories

LHYS

HYbrid Systems for the Separation

L2IA

Ions at Active Interfaces

LTSM

Ion Separation using self-assembled Molecular systems

LSFC

Sonochemistry in Complex Fluids

LNAR

Adaptive Nanomaterials for eneRgy

LIME

Interfaces of Material in Evolution

L2ME

Study of Matter in Environmental Conditions

LMCT

Mesoscopic Modelling and Theoretical Chemistry

The Institute for Separation Chemistry in Marcoule (ICSM)

Created in January 2007, the Marcoule Institute in Separation Chemistry (ICSM) is a Joint Research Unit (UMR 5257) between the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), the University of Montpellier (UM) and the National Graduate School of Chemistry in Montpellier (ENSCM). ICSM is composed of 3 research axes gathering 8 laboratories working in close collaboration (see the 2019-2022 scientific report, pdf format)

It is affiliated with the Chemistry Division of the University of Montpellier, as well as the Institute of Sciences and Technologies for a Circular Economy of Low-Carbon Energies (ISEC) within the Energy Division (DES) of CEA Marcoule. In this context, ICSM aims to develop fundamental research with the primary objective of "offering choices" for the development of separation chemistry processes applied to the field of decarbonized energies, while integrating the challenges of sustainable nuclear energy and the broader challenges of recycling for a virtuous circular economy.

Highlights

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Long-Term Observations Using High-Temperature Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy

New results (09/12/2025)

Team L2ME

3rd Edition of the SAXS and SANS Days: A Key Event for the Community

Conference organization (09/12/2025)

ICSM

Thomas Zemb recognized by the French Academy of Sciences for his research in the physical chemistry of fluids applied to nuclear recycling

Awards (28/10/2025)

Dissolution of PuO2 colloidal particles in the presence of in situ ultrasound-generated H2O2

New results (01/10/2025)

Team LSFC

Deciphering the structure of the third phase during uranium extraction

New results (01/10/2025)

Team LTSM

Simulating the hydration of UO2 surfaces at the atomic scale

New results (14/05/2025)

Team LMCT

Kickoff of MOTRIS project: ISEC in Muret (31) for the start!

BPIFrance, France2023 project (09/05/2025)

Teams LHYS, L2IA, LIME, L2ME

Scientific collaboration between the ICSM and the MSRC of the JAEA (Tokaï-Ibaraki)

Scientific collaboration - student exchange (April 2025)

Teams LHYS, LTSM, L2IA

In-depth study of intrinsic U(VI) colloids

New results (01/02/2025)

Teams L2ME/LIME

Teams

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Interface of materials in Evolution Laboratory (LIME)

The ‘Interfaces of Materials in Evolution’ group (LIME) aims to describe and understand the various phenomena occurring at the solid/solid and solid/liquid interfaces, and of interest for the (current and future) nuclear fuel cycles.

> See more about Interface of materials in Evolution Laboratory (LIME)

Agenda

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PhD Theses 2026

ICSM is offering several PhD positions starting in Fall 2026. Join us to:

Contribute to cutting-edge projects in separation chemistry,
Collaborate with renowned experts in the field,
Enhance your skills in a dynamic and stimulating environment.

Further information, here

Internships 2025-2026

ICSM is offering several internships for the 2025 – 2026 academic year.