Dr. Myrtil Kahn | Coordination Chemistry | Best Researcher Award
CNRS | France
Profiles
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Myrtil L. Kahn began her academic journey with a PhD in molecular compounds, under the supervision of a renowned expert in the field of coordination chemistry. Her doctoral work laid a strong foundation in molecular chemistry, which she later expanded into interdisciplinary domains. Her postdoctoral research included advanced work on ferrite nanoparticles and intermetallic particles, which positioned her at the intersection of nanoscience, materials chemistry, and applied physics.
Professional Endeavors
Following her postdoctoral experience, Dr. Kahn joined CNRS and quickly rose through the ranks to become a Senior Scientist and Research Director. She currently leads the “Nano-chemistry, Organization, and Sensors” team at the Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry (LCC) and also co-directs a multidisciplinary research initiative in collaboration with another leading national laboratory. This joint effort culminated in the establishment of a CNRS-affiliated joint research laboratory, reflecting her leadership in managing strategic partnerships with key industrial and governmental stakeholders, including aerospace and space agencies.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Kahn’s research centers on nanoscience and its application to broad societal challenges such as energy, environment, space, aeronautics, and health. She has significantly contributed to the design and synthesis of hybrid nano-objects and multifunctional coatings. Her work focuses on controlling the structural and functional properties of nanoparticles particularly semiconductor and magnetic oxides and integrating them into real-world devices. Utilizing a safe-by-design philosophy, she innovates at the interface of molecular chemistry, surface science, and nanotechnology. Her research also emphasizes understanding surface-ligand interactions through advanced techniques like NMR spectroscopy, which is crucial for ensuring colloidal stability and optimizing material behavior in biological and industrial environments.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Kahn has established herself as a leader in applied nanosciences, successfully bridging fundamental chemistry with device integration. Her research has attracted substantial funding through over thirty competitive contracts, nearly half of which involve industrial collaborations. These projects have led to multiple patents with international extensions, showcasing her commitment to innovation and knowledge transfer. Beyond scientific output, her leadership in organizing large-scale conferences and her role in interdisciplinary teams underscore her influence across both academic and industrial landscapes.
Academic Citations
Her research excellence is reflected in her strong citation metrics. With thousands of citations and an impressive h-index, her work enjoys sustained recognition in the global scientific community. She has authored more than a hundred publications in peer-reviewed international journals, contributed to several book chapters, and is actively involved in reviewing and editorial responsibilities within leading scientific events and journals.
Technical Skills
Dr. Kahn possesses deep technical expertise in organometallic synthesis, nanoparticle surface chemistry, colloidal stability, and functional coatings. She has extensive experience in spectroscopic analysis, particularly NMR, for the investigation of ligand dynamics and surface coordination. Her proficiency extends to hybrid material fabrication, integration of nanoparticles into sensors and devices, and the development of safe-by-design methodologies. This multidisciplinary toolkit enables her to work effectively at the interface of chemistry, physics, and biology.
Teaching Experience
While her primary role is research-intensive, Dr. Kahn actively contributes to mentoring young researchers and postdoctoral fellows. She fosters scientific development through collaborative research, co-authorship, and direct supervision. Her mentorship style is marked by encouraging innovation and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing early-career scientists for careers in both academia and industry.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Kahn’s legacy is one of impactful science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and societal relevance. Her commitment to applied nanoscience has led to the development of novel materials and processes with potential applications in biotechnology, aerospace, and environmental technology. As co-director of a cutting-edge joint research lab, she continues to expand her collaborative reach, ensuring that her contributions influence the next generation of researchers. Her ongoing projects in multifunctional nanocomposites and hybrid processes promise continued breakthroughs in high-performance materials.
Notable Publications
Competition between ordered morphologies of functionalized silver nanoparticles elucidated by a joint experimental and multiscale theoretical study
Authors: David Loffreda; Nathalie Tarrat; Corinne Lacaze‑Dufaure; Franck Rabilloud; Katia Fajerwerg; Myrtil L. Kahn; Vincent Collière; Christine Lepetit; Pierre Fau
Journal: Nano Today
Year: 2025
Understanding Ion‑Exchange Processes in the Synthesis of ZnSₓ@ZnO₁₋ₓ Heterostructures from Controlled Sulfidation of ZnO Nanocrystals
Authors: Ekaterina Bellan; Martin Jakoobi; Vincent Collière; Yannick Coppel; Julien Trébosc; Olivier Lafon; Pierre Lecante; Paul Fleurat‑Lessard; Céline Dupont; Jean‑Cyrille Hierso; Pierre Fau; Katia Fajerwerg; Lauriane Pautrot‑d’Alençon; Thierry Le Mercier; Myrtil L. Kahn
Journal: Chemistry of Materials
Year: 2024
Spontaneous Emulsification of Organometallic Complexes Applied to the Synthesis of Nanocapsules Active for H₂ Release from Ammonia‑Borane
Authors: Olivier Gazil; Ludivine Rault; Déborah Iglicki; Vincent Collière; Gizem Karacaoglan; Didier Poinsot; Moad Bouzid; Jean‑Cyrille Hierso; Myrtil L. Kahn; Nick Virgilio; Fabienne Gauffre
Journal: Langmuir (The ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids)
Year: 2024
Synthesis of TiO₂/SBA‑15 Nanocomposites by Hydrolysis of Organometallic Ti Precursors for Photocatalytic NO Abatement
Authors: Ons El Atti; Julie Hot; Katia Fajerwerg; Christian Lorber; Bénédicte Lebeau; Andrey Ryzhikov; Myrtil L. Kahn; Vincent Collière; Yannick Coppel; Nicolas Ratel‑Ramond; Philippe Ménini; Pierre Fau
Journal: Inorganics
Year: 2024
Conclusion
Dr. Myrtil L. Kahn stands as a prominent figure in nanoscience and coordination chemistry. Her pioneering research, strong industrial collaborations, and leadership in both national and international scientific communities demonstrate her eligibility for high-level scientific honors. Through her interdisciplinary vision and dedication to real-world impact, she continues to shape the future of materials science and remains an exemplary model for academic and industrial synergy.