As a solid-state chemist, Jacques Livage was at the forefront of the development of soft chemistry for materials. Inspired by biomineralization processes, this new synthesis method led to the development of "sol-gel processes", which enable glass and ceramics to be produced under near-ambient conditions. Unlike conventional solid-state chemistry techniques, which react powders by heating them to high temperatures, soft chemistry uses molecular precursors in solution. The solid network is formed progressively via polycondensation reactions analogous to those involved in organic polymer synthesis. These "soft chemistry" conditions enable organic molecules and inorganic species to react simultaneously, leading to the formation of organo-mineral hybrids. These molecular-scale nanocomposites open the way to a whole range of new materials combining the properties of glasses with those of polymers.

Jacques Livage now devotes most of his work to the application of sol-gel methods in the field of biology. Soft chemistry makes it possible to immobilize biological species (enzymes, antibodies, bacteria, viruses, micro-algae, etc.) within mineral matrices. Immobilized species retain their biological activity, enabling the development of biosensors and bioreactors. Jacques Livage is co-author of over 450 publications. A member of the scientific committee of numerous international journals and conferences, he has played a fundamental role in the development of soft chemistry and sol-gel processes.