Faculty & Staff Member Profile

Born in March 1979, Mikhael BECHELANY obtained his PhD in Materials Chemistry from the University of Lyon (France) in 2006. His doctoral research focused on the synthesis and characterization of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures, including nanotubes, nanowires, and nanocables based on boron and silicon. He subsequently joined EMPA in Thun (Switzerland) as a postdoctoral researcher, where he worked on the synthesis, assembly, and manipulation of nanomaterials, including nanoparticles and nanowires, for applications in photovoltaics, robotics, and chemical and biological sensing. In 2010, he joined the European Institute of Membranes (IEM, UMR CNRS 5635) in Montpellier (France) as a CNRS researcher, where he currently holds the position of CNRS Research Director. His research focuses on the development of advanced synthesis and fabrication techniques, including Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), electrospinning, and 3D printing, for the design and engineering of functional nanomaterials, particularly metals and ceramics. His research activities primarily focus on the design, fabrication, functionalization, and characterization of advanced inorganic and hybrid membranes, including oxide and non-oxide materials. These materials are developed for a wide range of applications in energy, including osmotic energy harvesting and hydrogen separation; healthcare, including cell proliferation and controlled drug delivery; and environmental technologies, including chemical sensors, biosensors, water purification, and pollutant removal. His research is conducted through extensive collaborations with academic institutions and industrial partners, supported by numerous national and European research projects, including those funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) and European research programmes. He has established a broad international scientific network and actively contributes to the advancement of materials science, nanotechnology, and membrane technologies. He serves as an editor of the Journal of Colloid and Interface Science and as a member of the editorial boards of Applied Surface Science Advances and the International Journal of Bioprinting. He is also a Section Editor-in-Chief of Sensors. As of October 2026, he has authored or co-authored 520 scientific publications, delivered 72 conference presentations, contributed to 18 book chapters, and is an inventor on 20 patents, with an h-index of 93. Beyond his academic achievements, he has contributed to the co-founding of seven start-ups, reflecting his strong commitment to innovation, technology transfer, and the commercial application of scientific research.