Advanced Structural and Functional Characterization

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH UNITS

Advanced Structural and Functional Characterization

The Advanced Structural and Functional Characterization Research Unit is formed by two Research Groups: the Crystallography of Magnetic and Electronic Oxides and Surfaces (CMEOS) group, and the Crystallography group.Both groups have in common the use of crystallography methods to study the structure and properties of complex and functional materials, such as complex oxides. The groups use X-ray diffraction and other techniques such as diffraction synchrotron techniques or surface characterization to study this type of materials.

CMEOS
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY

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Functional Surfaces and Interfaces

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH UNITS

Functional Surfaces and Interfaces

The Functional Surfaces and Interfaces Research Unit is formed by two Research Groups: the Functional Nanomaterials and Surfaces (FunNanoSurf) group and the Physical Chemistry of Surfaces and Interfaces (Surfaces) group.

Both groups have in common the study at the nanoscale of structural and electronic properties of nanostructures, surfaces and interfaces.

The FunNanoSurf group focuses more on molecular-based, supramolecular and polymeric aggregates.

The Surfaces group on the synthesis, characterization and manipulation of organic semiconductor surfaces and interfaces.

FUNNANOSURF
SURFACES

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Magnetic Materials and Functional Oxides

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH UNITS

Magnetic Materials and Functional Oxides

The Magnetic Materials and Functional Oxides Research Unit is formed by two Research Groups working on the study, synthesis and characterization of magnetic materials and functional oxides: the Laboratory of Multifunctional Thin Films and Complex Structures (MULFOX) group and the Advanced Characterization and Nanostructured Materials (ACNM) group. Both groups are interested on developing new oxide-based materials with special focus on their electric, magnetic and optical properties, and on understanding the relationship between structure, properties and performance.

MULFOX
ACNM

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Nanostructured Materials for Optoelectronics and Energy Harvesting

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH UNITS

Nanostructured Materials for Optoelectronics and Energy Harvesting

WEB NANOPTO

The Nanostructured Materials for Optoelectronics and Energy Harvesting Research Unit is formed by two Research Groups that focus their activities on materials for energy applications: the Nanostructured Materials for Optoelectronics and Energy Harvesting (NANOPTO) group and the Laser Processing (LASER) group.

The NANOPTO group studies the synthesis, characterization and application of semiconducting structures for organic and perovskite photovoltaics, organic thermoelectrics, and photonics.

The LASER group is focused on the preparation of nanostructures functional materials using multiple laser techniques.

NANOPTO
LASER

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Smart Molecular Inorganic and Hybrid Materials

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH UNITS

Smart Molecular Inorganic and Hybrid Materials

The Smart Molecular Inorganic and Hybrid Materials Research Unit is formed by two groups who work especially with inorganic chemistry for biomedical applications, among others: the Inorganic Materials and Catalysis (LMI) group, and the Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites (NN) group.

The LMI group studies the synthesis, preparation and characterization of boron-based compounds, such as carboranes, borane clusters and MOFs, for energy and biomedical applications, such as BNCT for cancer treatment.

The NN group focuses its research in the synthesis and characterization of small inorganic nanoparticles or thin films for information technology or biomedical applications, and studies the interaction between these elements and the biological systems, such as cells or the model organism C. elegans.

LMI
NN
SusMoSys

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Solid State Chemistry

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Solid State Chemistry

The SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY research unit focuses on solid state transformations and processes that lead to new inorganic, polymeric, nanocarbon and nanostructured hybrid materials with direct applications in energy, electronics and biomedicine. The design of novel phases, based on crystal chemical criteria, and their modification by cationic and anionic chemical/electrochemical doping and by modulation of the microstructure, is among the major objectives, as well as the dynamic action of those materials through mixed valence changes and intercalation processes and the study of the reaction mechanisms including operando techniques. The development of new synthetic methodologies, specific for each targeted phase, is a defining feature of the research unit. The research lines focus on materials for high energy battery technologies, electroactive materials for neural growth, metal organic frameworks with applications as biomaterials, inorganic and carbon nanomaterials for biomedicine and (oxy)nitrides with photocatalytic and electronic properties.

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Amparo Fuertes

Research Professor
Nieves Casañ

Research Professor
Concepción Domingo

Research Professor
M. Rosa Palacín

Research Professor
Gerard Tobias

Research Scientist
Dino Tonti

Tenured Scientist
Alexander Ponrouch

Tenured Scientist
Ana María López

Tenured Scientist

Postdoctoral Researchers

Deyana Stoytcheva Tchitchekova

Postdoctoral Researcher
Ashley Black

Postdoctoral Researcher
Damien Monti

Postdoctoral Researcher
Juan Forero

Postdoctoral Researcher
Charlotte Bodin

Postdoctoral Researcher

Technicians and Project Managers

Julio Fraile

Lab. Technician
Antonio Miguel Socías

Lab. Technician
Roberta Ceravola

Lab Technician
Mayte Escobar

Project Manager

RESEARCH LINES

Electrochemistry and electroactive materials
Supercritical Fluids and Functional Materials
Nitride-Based Materials
Inorganic Materials and Electrolytes for Battery Applications
Nanoengineering of Carbon and Inorganic Materials (NanoCIM)
Nanostructured interfaces for electrochemical energy storage

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Superconducting Materials and Large Scale Nanostructures

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH UNITS

Superconducting Materials and Large Scale Nanostructures

WEB SUMAN

The Superconducting Materials and Large Scale Nanostructures (SUMAN) Research Unit is formed by a Research Group with the same name that focuses on the synthesis, preparation and characterization of high-temperature superconducting materials. The idea is to find low-cost processes to be able to scale up the production of this kind of materials and make them competitive for power applications.

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Teresa Puig

Research Professor
Xavier Obradors

Research Professor
Narcís Mestres

Research Scientist
Xavier Granados

Tenured Scientist
Anna Palau

Tenured Scientist
Susagna Ricart

Emeritus Tenured Scientist
Mariona Coll

Tenured Scientist
Joffre Gutiérrez

Tenured Scientist

Postdoctoral Researchers

Cornelia Pop

Postdoctoral Researcher
Albert Queraltó

Postdoctoral Researcher
Kapil Gupta

Postdoctoral Researcher
Roxana Vlad

Postdoctoral Researcher
Elzbieta Pach

Postdoctoral Researcher

Technicians and Project Managers

Mariona García de Palau

Senior Technician
Mar Tristany

Project Manager

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Theory and Simulation

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH UNITS

Theory and Simulation

The Theory and Simulation Research Unit is formed by two Research Groups, the Laboratory of Electronic Structure of Materials (LEEM) and the Softmatter Theory (SOFTMATTER) group. Both groups have in common that they are formed by theorists instead of experimentalists. The LEEM group focuses on the phenomena happening in inorganic materials, such as oxides and magnetic materials, whereas the SOFTMATTER group focuses on biological materials and the interactions between those materials and surfaces, interfaces or nanoparticles.

LEEM
SOFTMATTERTHEORY

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Molecular Nanoscience and Organic Materials

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH UNITS

Molecular Nanoscience and Organic Materials

The Molecular Nanoscience and Organic Materials (NANOMOL) Research Unit focuses on the study, synthesis and processing of molecular and polymeric materials with biomedical, electronic, magnetic and chemical properties.

NANOMOL is composed by two research groups: “Molecular Materials for Electronic Devices” (e-MolMat) and "Nanostructured Molecular Materials for Biomedicines" (NANOMOL-BIO).

eMolMat is focused on the design and synthesis of organic molecules and materials for their integration in electronic devices such as memories, switches, transistors or sensors. Both fundamental studies and proof-of-concept devices are pursued.

NANOMOL-BIO is devoted to the synthesis, physico-chemical characterization and development, up to pre-clinical regulatory phases, of molecular and polymeric (nano)materials for biomedical applications: (i) biomolecule and small molecule delivery, (ii) diagnosis, (iii) regenerative medicine and (iv) immunotherapy.

NANOMOL is member of the Biomedical Research Network (CIBER) in the area of Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine; and is awarded with the TECNIO label given to Catalan research groups with high innovative and tech transfer capacities.

eMolMat
Nanomol-Bio

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Crystallography of Magnetic and Electronic Oxides and Surfaces

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Crystallography of Magnetic and Electronic Oxides and Surfaces

WEB CMEOS

In the Magnetic Material and Functional Oxides department at ICMAB, the activities of the Crystallography of Magnetic and Electronic Oxides and Surfaces group are addressed to explore, understand and develop new strongly correlated materials of interest in fundamental Condensed Matter research and as novel materials for the Information technologies.

The activities of the group are based on the application of chemical and magnetic crystallography methods to the investigation of emergent functional oxides. Combining an intensive use of Large Scale Facilities (such as neutron and synchrotron sources) with symmetry analysis methodologies, we investigate the symmetry-properties relationship associated to structural, magnetic or electronic orders in functional oxides.

Current research lines include the study of structure-properties relationship in new magnetic, multiferroic and magnetoelectric materials with special charge, spin or electronic orders, and the study of novel oxides with giant responses for technological applications. In addition to bulk materials and films, surface diffraction synchrotron techniques and surface characterization methods are also applied to the study of ordering related phenomena in low-dim systems.

Permanent Members

José Luis García

Research Professor
Javier Herrero Martín

Alba Scientist (associated)

Research Lines

Diffraction studies and crystallography of magnetic and electronic materials

The neutron scattering in the field of magnetic and electronic materials presents extraordinary importance. To probe magnetic properties on atomic scale, neutron diffraction is an established technique and a unique method of choice, which allows perfect quantitative data interpretation. The magnetic moment of the neutron makes it a unique probe for magnetic properties in condensed matter on atomic scale. It gives a direct access to the spin and orbital distribution in the unit cell. In particular, magnetic structure determination is the foyer to the understanding of many fundamental phenomena in Condensed Matter research. Neutron and synchrotron techniques can be applied to investigate spin-state transitions, charge and orbital ordering, giant magneto-resistance, magnetoelectric materials as well as other emergent phenomena in frustrated materials such as spin ice, spin liquid behavior or other promising topological defects.
New multiferroics and magnetoelectric oxides and mechanisms

Multiferroics are important functional materials featuring strongly coupled order parameters that can be manipulated by external fields. Magnetoelectric multiferroics are receiving enormous attention as they open the road to new forms of multifunctional devices. However, they challenge our fundamental understanding of magnetic and ferroelectric order because a strong magnetoelectric coupling is incompatible with traditional mechanisms of ferroelectricity. The recent discovery of a new class of materials (type-II multiferroics) in which the magnetic and electric properties are strongly coupled is attracting very much interest because of the possibility to manipulate magnetism and spins by electric fields and vice-versa, to magnetically control electric charges. Future applications in information technology require new multiferroic materials fulfilling all technological requirements. Along with its technological functionalities, multiferroics are also of great interest in fundamental research into strongly correlated oxides and quantum matter.
Novel oxides with spin state instabilities for electronic and energy applications

Cobalt oxides present a plethora of very interesting properties like metal-insulator transitions, spin-state changes, giant magnetoresistance, double-exchange, phase separation, high thermoelectric power, oxygen diffusivity, mixed-conduction, charge and orbital ordering or superconductivity among others. These properties are interesting not only from a fundamental point of view but also due to their potential applicability in different fields. One very remarkable characteristic of many cobalt compounds is the ability of Co ions to adopt different spin states. This makes that Co oxides have, in comparison with other transition metal oxides, an extra degree of freedom: the spin state of Co. So, the investigation of novel cobaltites with different structures and prepared in different forms is between the most attractive opportunities within strongly correlated systems: the spin state of Co at selected sites in the structure plays a key role in the structural, magnetic, magnetotransport properties, electronic and ion mobility or the thermoelectric power. This research is inscribed inside the wider objective of understand and control the spin state and electronics degrees of freedom of Co cations, especially with 3+ valence. Trivalent cobalt oxides exhibit unique electronic phases characterized by the interplay between nearly degenerate spin states.

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Molecular Materials for Electronic Devices

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Molecular Materials for Electronic Devices (eMolMat)

WEB EMOLMAT

The Molecular Materials for Electronic Devices (eMolMat) group is focused on the design and synthesis/preparation of new functional molecular materials for their application in organic/molecular electronic devices. This is an interdisciplinary group where researchers from different disciplines (i.e., chemistry, materials science, physics, engineering, etc.) are working together. Our work ranges from fundamental studies in order to better understand materials properties to a more applied perspective aiming at developing proof-of-principle devices.

Particularly, our areas of interest include synthesis of novel functional molecules (electroactive molecules, organic radicals, etc.), surface self-assembly, crystal engineering, molecular switches, organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and electrolyte-gated field-effect transistors (EGOFETs), charge transport and organic-based (bio)-sensors.

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Marta Mas-Torrent

Research Scientist

Head of the eMOLMAT Group
Núria Crivillers

Tenured Scientist

Postdoctoral Researchers

Raphael Pfattner

Ramon y Cajal Researcher
Sergi Riera Lorente

Postdoctoral Researcher
Adaris López
Carme Martínez

Technicians and Project Managers

José Amable Bernabé

Lab Technician
Arnau Jaumandreu

Lab Technician
Carme Gimeno

Administrative

Research Lines

The main scientific topics of the group are related to the preparation and characterization of novel organic molecular materials and their application in molecular electronic devices.

In particular, our interests include:

Charge transport across organic layers,
Molecular switches in solution and on surface and
Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) and electrolyte-gated field-effect transistors (EGOFETs).

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Crystallography and X-Ray Diffraction

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Crystallography & X-Ray Diffraction

WEB CRYSTALLOGRAPHY

The aim of the group is to explore, understand and develop new strongly correlated materials of interest in fundamental science, such as studies of intermolecular interactions, and in the improvement of methods for crystal structure determination from electron diffraction data. The group has developed the new through-the-substrate (tts) X-ray microdiffraction technique, integrated now at ALBA Synchrotron, and has a great expertise in nanocomposite porous materials, applied to different catalysis reactions.

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Elies Molins

Research Professor
Carles Miravitlles

Research Professor
Jordi Rius

Research Professor
Xabier Mikel Turrillas

ALBA Scientist

Project Researchers

Mónica Benito

Project Researcher
Ignasi Mata

Project Researcher

Technicians and Project Managers

Anna Crespi

Senior Technician
Joan Esquius

Senior Technician
Javier Campos

Lab Technician

Research Lines

The current research fields of the laboratory derive from its deep knowledge on structural crystallography and from the corresponding structure-property relationships. New concepts and procedures have been developed during the years as new Patterson search methods or efficient and robust algorithms for phase refinement by direct methods which have been extended to powder diffraction. The study of the topology of experimental electron densities led to a deeper understanding of the hydrogen bond. Also, the expertise in surface crystallography has rendered possible not only the determination of difficult surface reconstructions but also the location of the absorbed molecules on substrates by grazing x-ray diffraction methods with synchrotron radiation. The expertise in structural determination and characterization of low dimensional systems and nanostructured materials by using UHV and synchrotron radiation techniques permits chemical, physical and structural analysis of surface phenomena in nanoscience field. On the other hand, the preparation and characterization of functionalized and nanocomposited aerogels has driven interesting new materials for applications in dye lasers and catalysis. Among the specialities of the researchers of the laboratory it should be mentioned i. the determination of complex crystal structures of microporous materials and molecular compounds from powder data; ii. the instrumental development of Mössbauer spectroscopy equipment e.g. the building and patenting of a miniaturised Micro-Mössbauer. Funded by several industrial contracts, the group also works in the preparation and characterisation of new materials like silica aerogels, nanomagnetism, drug delivery and magnetic imaging, gas purification sieves and catalysis for CO2 reduction for H2 production (in collaboration with the UPC).

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Functional Nanomaterials & Surfaces

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Functional Nanomaterials & Surfaces

WEB FUNNANOSURF

The group interests relate to the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology, particularly the areas of molecular electronics, molecular magnetism and biology. We design molecular systems capable of providing inputs at the nano-scale and focus our efforts in the control and organization of such species on different surfaces/nanodevices.

The main areas of expertise are

Synthesis of functional molecules/polymers & supramolecular aggregates
Characterization of our molecular-based materials
Surface studies

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Núria Aliaga-Alcalde

ICREA Research Professor
Arántzazu González-Campo

Ramón y Cajal Researcher

Postdoctoral Researchers

Daniel Herrera
Rossela Zaffino

Research Lines

DEVELOPMENT OF ACTIVE MOLECULAR-BASED COMPONENTS FOR ELECTRONIC NANODEVICES (TMOL4TRANS)

A main project in the group is the creation of advanced molecular systems that can be accomodated (hence, be inserted) within graphene electrodes toward the creation of robust hybrid three-terminal nanodevices. My view involves the synthesis of the desired molecules (curcuminoid (CCMoids)/porphyrinoid (PPDS) in nature), their characterization in bulk (solid state and studies in solution) and deposition on graphene electrodes. In a first stage such systems can act as nano-wires, capable exclusively of electronic transport however, coordination of such systems to metallic centers can provide additional propertie highly interesting in spintronics toward the creation of switches and memory nanodevices.

Our goal is the control of the properties and study of deposition of such molecules having as a final step the I-V measurements of the final nanodevices. With this in mind, we collaborate with international groups (STM, MCBJ and BJ techniques) and perform the measurements ourselves by the use of a cryogenic probe station.

This project is linked to an ERC-consolidator Grant (Acronym: Tmol4TRANS).
DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHLY DIMENSIONAL MOLECULAR-BASED MATERIALS

A major aim of crystal engineering and supramolecular chemistry is the rational synthesis of metallo-aggregates and self-assembled systems with new functions based on novel magnetic properties, light responsiveness, biomedical applications, catalytic activity, fluorescence, or redox properties, among others. These useful and interesting properties may lead to the application of such assemblies, as for example: in sensors, compact information storage devices for next-generation computers, catalysts in industrial processes and medical applications (such as implants, contrast agents for CAT scans,…).

The goal here is the design, synthesis and characterization, with a strong emphasis on the material properties, of these novel species. This approach involves the specific combination of polydentate ligands (curcuminoid (CCMoids)/porphyrinoid (PPDS)) that can accommodate a number of metallic/metalloid centers, providing interesting optic and/or electronic features. Additional bridging ligands may also be used to facilitate the creation of different architectures (1D (chains), 2D (layers) and 3D (MOFs, coordination polymers).

Considering this major aim, our projects include detailed spectroscopic characterizations of the final species by advanced techniques (SQUID, EPR, NMR, electrochemistry, fluorecence studies, …) as well as deposition in different surfaces/electrodes (functionalized or not, Au, graphene, Si/SiO₂, using different techniques as for example µ-CP, micro-contact printing) of the final species, then studies of the created substrates (AFM, TEM, SEM, STM, XPS,…) and electronic/optical final properties (creation of three-terminal devices, confocal microscopy, etc).
DEVELOPMENT OF MAGNETIC MOLECULAR SYSTEMS

Closely related to nanotechnology, many promising advanced materials are based on magnetic principles. At the nanoscale such features can be related to the paramagnetic behavior of coordination compounds (0D). Therefore, a most challenging project is the development of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, with emphasis in such property.

Here, I am interested in develop materials with 3d/4f centers with emphasis in the control of coordination of such systems, their magnetic characterization and nano-structuration. Regarding the last part, coordination molecules are soft-materials and it is crucial to determine the optimal deposition method/s toward the creation of robust systems.

The design, characterization and study of properties of such systems are closely related to the techniques described in the other lines. Overall. the three lines unify in the general idea of making functional materials based on molecules taking advantages on the properties of the organic ligand (curcuminoid (CCMoids)/ porphyrinoid (PPDS)) and/or the metallic center.

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Physical Chemistry of Surfaces and Interfaces

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Physical Chemistry of Surfaces and Interfaces

WEB SURFACES

Focused on unraveling and controlling the nanoscale structural and electronic properties of nanostructures and interfaces through surface engineering. Devoting special effort to organic materials, part of our investigation centers on organic semiconductors with relevance as active layers for electronic devices (such as organic solar cells and organic field effect transistors).

Our research spans from fundamental issues in organic growth to the electronic response of metal-organic junctions within two main research activities:

Design and growth of ultrathin organic layers and organic/organic heterojunctions and
Nanoscale properties of organic/electrode interfaces and devices

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Carmen Ocal

Research Professor
Esther Barrena

Tenured Scientist
Albert Verdaguer

Tenured Scientist
Xavier Torrelles

Research Scientist

Research Lines

Development of new SPM modes based in multifrequency dynamic Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to study wetting, ice nucleation and identification of chemical groups at the nanoscale. (AV)
Growth of organic ultra-thin films and chemical functionalization of surfaces (EB, CO)
Nanoscale electrical and structural properties of organic/electrode interfaces investigated by SPM (EB, CO)
Organic/organic heterojunctions and nanoscale electrical properties of organic electronic devices (EB, CO)
Study of ice nucleation on surfaces focusing on the effect of surfaces on heterogeneous nucleation and ice growth at ambient conditions. (AV)
Study of the interaction of water with ferroelectric surfaces and its role in surface charge screening using SPM and AP-XPS techniques.

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Multifunctional Thin Films and Complex Structures

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Multifunctional Thin Films and Complex Structures

WEB MULFOX

Research group focused on the development and integration of new materials, basically nanometric oxide thin films, and the exploration of their use in photovoltaics, electronics, spintronics, data storage and computing. These broad and scientifically challenging objectives are currently major social demands, as silicon-based electronics is reaching its limit in size, speed and efficiency, and radically new approaches, energy sustainable, are needed.

Specifically, current activities include

The search for disruptive approaches to materials and methods in photovoltaic conversion
Development of materials and devices that, based on polar materials, may allow us to contribute to develop more efficient data storage and brain-inspired computing schemes and
Explore data storage and data manipulation alternatives to current methods, by using non-dissipative currents or efficient plasmonic signals

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Josep Fontcuberta

Research Professor
Lourdes Fàbrega

Tenured Scientist
Florencio Sánchez

Tenured Scientist
Gervasi Herranz

Tenured Scientist
Jaume Gázquez

Tenured Scientist
Ignasi Fina

Ramon y Cajal researcher
Vassil Skumryev

ICREA Research Professor – UAB
Can Onur Avci

ERC Scientist

Postdoctoral Researchers

Alberto Quintana

Posdoctoral Researcher
Gyanendra Singh

Posdoctoral Researcher
Gabriele de Luca

Posdoctoral Ramón y Cajal

Research Lines

Advanced ferroelectric characterization
Atomic scale mappig of materials
Cryogenic radiation and particle detectors with superconductors
Ferroelectric thin films and devices
Orders and dynamics in oxides
Quantum transport and light-matter interactions
Spintronic Materials and Devices

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Advanced Characterization and Nanostructured Materials

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Advanced Characterization and Nanostructured Materials

WEB ACNM

The group’s main scientific goal is to generate both fundamental and applied knowledge for the implementation of functional oxide materials in novel technologies as spintronics. It focuses on functional properties, structural characterization of functional defects, nanodevices, complex oxide thin films, self-assembled materials and nanoparticles for life sciences

Permanent Members

Benjamín Martínez

Research Professor
Lluís Balcells

Research Scientist
Felip Sandiumenge

Research Scientist
Carles Frontera

Tenured Scientist
Alberto Pomar

Tenured Scientist

Research Lines

Functional Properties
Structural Characterization of Functional Defects
Nanodevices
Complex Oxide Thin Films
Self-Assembled Materials
Nanoparticles for Life Sciences

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Nanostructured Materials for Optoelectronics and Energy Harvesting

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Nanostructured Materials for Optoelectronics and Energy Harvesting

WEB NANOPTO

The group focuses on producing and characterizing advanced semiconducting structures with the main objective of understanding their fundamental behavior in order to tailor and improve their functionalities and empower different applications in the areas of optoelectronics, energy-related, and sensing devices.

The group is divided into 4 different research activities:

Optoelectronics of group-IV semiconductor nanostructures
Organic-Inorganic Thermoelectrics
Photonic Architectures for Light Management
Organic Solar Cells

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Alejandro Goñi

Research Professor ICREA
M. Isabel Alonso Carmona

Research Scientist
Mariano Campoy-Quiles

Research Scientist
Miquel Garriga

Research Scientist
Agustín Mihi

Tenured Scientist
Sebastián Reparaz

Tenured Scientist

Postdoctoral Researchers

Leonardo Scarabelli

Postdoctoral Researcher
Bernhard Dörling

Postdoctoral Researcher
Luis Alberto Pérez

Postdoctoral Researcher
Pau Molet

Postdoctoral Researcher

Technicians and Project Managers

Eulàlia Pujades

Project Manager
Ivan Álvarez Corzo

Project Researcher

Research Lines

Optoelectronics of group-IV semiconductor nanostructures
Organic-Inorganic Thermoelectrics
Photonic Architectures for Light Management
Organic Solar Cells

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Inorganic Materials & Catalysis

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Inorganic Materials & Catalysis

WEB LMI

The focus of the group’s scientific activity is in the chemistry and applications of boron cages. Their geometric forms and the fact that they are made of a semi-metal, boron, give them unique properties largely unexplored. Today, the chemistry of boron clusters, has achieved a sufficient degree of maturity that has led to new applications, in many cases not attainable with conventional organic compounds. For instance, boron clusters readily offer structural hollow spheres, something that is utterly difficult with organic compounds. Boron clusters are applied in this group in the fields of energy, environmental science, molecular electronics and medicine.

Permanent Members

Francesc Teixidor

Research Professor
Clara Viñas Teixidor

Research Professor
Rosario Núñez Aguilera

Research Scientist
José Giner Planas

Tenured Scientist

Postdoctoral Researchers

Maria Jose Mostazo

Postdoctoral Researcher

Technicians and Project Managers

Jordi Cortés

Lab. Technician

Research Lines

Ion Recognition
Conducting Organic Polymers
Homogeneous Catalysis
Medical Chemistry
Ionic Liquids

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Nanoparticles & Nanocomposites

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH UNITS

Nanoparticles & Nanocomposites

WEB NN

This group has quite diverse research interests but with a focus in the rational synthesis of nanoparticles and nanocomposites and the study of their structural-functional properties including those related to the nano/bio interfaces. We envisage the integration of our materials in devices and products for nanomedicine, information technologies or energy and environment. The NN members participate actively of science outreach and gender equality initiatives.

Permanent Members

Anna Roig

Research Professor
Martí Gich

Tenured Scientist
Anna Laromaine

Tenured Scientist

Postdoctoral Researchers

Pablo Guardia

Ramon y Cajal Researcher
Nico Dix

Postdoctoral Researcher
Vinod Vk Thalakkatukalathil

Postdoctoral Researcher

Technicians and Project Managers

Mayte Escobar

Project Manager

Research Lines

NANOPARTICLES & NANOCOMPOSITES
BIOPOLYMERS
FILMS

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Electronic Structure of Materials

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH UNITS

Electronic Structure of Materials

WEB LEEM

The strategic lines of the Theory and Simulation Group are the simulation of soft-matter, novel functionalities in oxide-based systems, flexoelectricity, thermal transport, electronic and vibrational instabilities in low-dimensional systems and the development and applications of ab-initio simulation codes

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Enric Canadell

Emeritus Research Professor
Alberto García

Research Scientist
Riccardo Rurali

Tenured Scientist
Massimiliano Stengel

ICREA Research Professor
Miquel Royo

Tenured Scientist

Postdoctoral Researchers

Konstantin Shapovalov

Postdoctoral Researcher
Alexander Edström

Postdoctoral Researcher
Emanuele Bosoni

Postdoctoral Researcher

Research Lines

Methodological developments

Development of the SIESTA code
Applications
- First-principles modeling of complex phenomena in ferroelectric and antiferroelectric systems
- Low-dimensional materials
- Nanowires for novel devices
- Nanoscale heat transport

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Soft Matter Theory

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH UNITS

Soft Matter Theory

WEB SOFTMATTERTHEORY

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Jordi Faraudo

Tenured Scientist

Postdoctoral Researchers

Mehdi Sahihi

Postdoctoral Researcher

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Nanomol-Bio

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Nanomol-Bio

Molecular Materials for Therapy:

Nanovesicles for drug delivery
Nanostructured molecular materials for treatment & prevention of infections.
Hierarchical nanoarchitectonic materials for regenerative medicine
Nanostructured hydrogels for cancer immunotherapies

Molecular Materials for Diagnosis:

Fluorescent nanovesicles and organic nanoparticles for sensing and bioimaging
Radical dendrimers as MRI contrast agents
Water-soluble gold NPs decorated with organic radicals for multimodal imaging.

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Nora Ventosa

Research Scientist

Director of Nanomol-TECNIO
Principal Investigator of Nanomol at CIBER-BBN
Head of the Nanomol-Bio Group
José Vidal

Tenured Scientist

Research Unit Director
Imma Ratera

Tenured Scientist
Jaume Veciana

Emeritus Research Professor

Postdoctoral Researchers

Judith Guasch

Ramon y Cajal Researcher and Max Planck Partner Grup Leader
Elisabet González

CIBER- Postdoctoral Researcher
Mariana Köber

Postdoctoral Researcher
Judit Tomsen

Postdoctoral Researcher
Karla Mayolo

Postdoctoral Researcher

Technicians and Project Managers

Amable Bernabé

Lab Technician
Arnau Jaumandreu

Lab Technician
Carlos Luque

Doctor Vinculado
Eduardo Pérez

Project Manager
Carme Gimeno

Administrative

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Sustainable Molecular Systems

Written on 07 May 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Sustainable Molecular Systems

WEB SUSMOSYS

Permanent Members

David Amabilino
Kasper Moth-Poulsen

ICREA Research Professor

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Direction

Written on 27 April 2020.

ORGANISATION

Direction

Prof. Xavier Obradors Berenguer

Director since 12-01-2008
CSIC Research Professor
Fields: Magnetic materials, Superconducting Materials
Member “Real Academia de Ciencies i Arts de Barcelona”
Fellow Institut of Physics, U.K.
Medal “Narcís Monturiol”, Generalitat de Catalunya
Doctor Honoris Causa University of Pitesti, Roumania
Member Executive Board Superconductor Science and Technology
Award Duran Farell-Gas Natural to the Technological Research 2002

Director's Message

Direction

Prof. Xavier Obradors Berenguer

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Deputy Direction

Prof. M. Rosa Palacín

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Dr. Riccardo Rurali

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Executive Assistant

Imma Colomina

Executive Assistant

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Direction

Address:

Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC
Carrer dels Til·lers s/n
Campus UAB
08193, Bellaterra
Catalunya, Spain

Contact

By email:
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By phone:
+34 935801853

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Scientific Advisory Board

Written on 27 April 2020.

ORGANISATION

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisoy Board (SAB) is an international committee in charge of the evaluation of the Severo Ochoa Project implementation. It is formed by 12 international members, 11 of which are non-Spanish, and 5 of which are women (42 %).

SAB Members

Luis Liz-Marzan

CIC biomaGUNE
Spain
Natalie Stingelin

School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering - Georgia Institute of Technology
USA
Rudolf Gross

Technische Universität München, Physik Department
Germany
David Larbalestier

Applied Superconductivity Center, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
USA
Maurizio Prato

Università di Trieste₁ and CIC biomaGUNE₂
₁Italy, ₂Spain
Elsa Reichmanis

Lehigh University
USA
Susan Trolier-McKinstry

Director - W. M. Keck Smart Mat. Int. Lab.
USA
Erio Tossati

Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA)
Italy
Patrick Couvreur

Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie, Pharmacotechnie et Biopharmacie
France
Silke Christiansen

Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin Mat & Energie GmbH
Germany
Judith MacManus-Driscoll

University of Cambridge, Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy
UK
Jean-Marie Tarascon

Collège de France, Chimie du solide et de l'énergie
France
Roser Valentí

Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
Ramón Martínez Máñez

Universitat Politècnica de València
Patrik Johansson

Chalmers University of Technology
Bernhard Holzapfel

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Scientific Advisory Board

Address:

Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC
Carrer dels Til·lers s/n
Campus UAB
08193, Bellaterra
Catalunya, Spain

Contact

By email:
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By phone:
+34 935801853

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Scientific Executive Board

Written on 27 April 2020.

ORGANISATION

Scientific Executive Board

The Scientific Executive Board (SEB) is formed by the Direction team (Director and Deputy Directors), the members of the Severo Ochoa Strategic Managing Unit, and the coordinators of the 5 research lines (RL) of the Institute.

The SEB is in charge of taking decisions regarding the scientific strategy that the ICMAB follows. It also is in charge of deciding the strategic priority actions of the center and or organizing the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) meeting, held once a year at ICMAB.

SEB Members

Xavier Obradors

Director
Rosa Palacín

Deputy Director
Riccardo Rurali

Deputy Director
Alejandro Goñi

RL1 Coordinator
Teresa Puig

RL2 Coordinator
Gervasi Herranz

RL3 Coordinator
Marta Mas

RL4 Coordinator
Imma Ratera

RL5 Coordinator
Montse Salas

Strategic Managing Unit
Laura Cabana

Strategic Managing Unit

Scientific Executive Board

Address:

Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC
Carrer dels Til·lers s/n
Campus UAB
08193, Bellaterra
Catalunya, Spain

Contact

By email:
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By phone:
+34 935801853

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Institute Governing Board

Written on 27 April 2020.

ORGANISATION

Institute Governing Board

The Institute Governing Board is the governing body formed by Direction (as President), Deputy Direction, General Manager (as Secretary), by one member of each Department and by the Staff representatives.

The Institute Governing Board meets twice per year and is in charge of taking some important decisions concerning the Institute.

Direction

Prof. Xavier Obradors

President

Deputy Direction

Prof. M. Rosa Palacín
Dr. Riccardo Rurali

General Manager

Juan Ricardo Ibañez

Secretary

Heads of Departments

Dr. Isabel Alonso
Prof Amparo Fuertes
Dr. Alberto García
Prof. José Luis García
Prof. Elies Molins
Prof. Teresa Puig
Prof. Francesc Teixidor
Dr. José Vidal

Staff representatives

Arántzazu González Campo
José Amable Bernabé Mateos
Rebeca Herrera Saiz
Javier Campos López

Institute Governing Board

Address:

Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC
Carrer dels Til·lers s/n
Campus UAB
08193, Bellaterra
Catalunya, Spain

Contact

By email:
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By phone:
+34 935801853

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Scientific Board

Written on 27 April 2020.

ORGANISATION

Scientific Board

The Scientific Board (el Claustre) is formed by the Direction team (Director and Deputy Directors), the General Manager and by all the permanent scientists (Research Professors, Research Scientists and Tenured Scientists) of the Institute.

Direction and Management

Scientific Staff

Scientific Board

Address:

Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC
Carrer dels Til·lers s/n
Campus UAB
08193, Bellaterra
Catalunya, Spain

Contact

By email:
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By phone:
+34 935801853

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Laser

Written on 27 April 2020.

RESEARCH GROUPS

Laser Group

Materials processing technologies which imply the presence of laser radiation are versatile, rapid, allow high spatial resolution, and ensure reproducibility. Laser-matter interactions involve the development of a huge number of complex physical and chemical mechanisms, leading to materials transformations which cannot be obtained by conventional techniques. The aim of our work is to obtain nanostructured functional materials by means of different laser techniques such as Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD), Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE), Laser Direct Write (LDW), and Laser Surface Processing (LSP). We develop high quality thin films of organic-inorganic nanocomposites and nanostructures such as semiconductor quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and graphene-based composites using MAPLE and PLD techniques. We are also investigating the chemical transformation by LSP of complex systems made of carbon-based nanomaterials, and the recrystallization of different types of nanostructures for energy, environmental, electronics and sensing applications. The experimental work, synthesis of the materials and their compositional-structural characterisation is complemented with computer simulations of the laser-matter interactions. The LPR Group leaders obtained the "International Association of Advanced Materials Scientist Medal (IAAM Scientist medal) for the year 2016" due to their contribution in the field of "Advanced Materials Science and Technology"

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Dr. Ángel Pérez

Tenured Scientist
Dr. Enikö György

Tenured Scientist

Former Members

2022

Dr. Arevik Musheghyan (Postdoctoral contract)
Dr. Chinwe Nwanya (Women for Africa Programme, University of Nigeria)
Mr. Pablo García Lebière (PhD, ICMAB - UAB)
Mr. Gerard Felipo i Esteve (Degree final project - UAB)
Mr. Roger Garreta Piñol (Degree final project - UAB)
Ms. Emma Poupard (Internship, Polytech Nantes)
Mr. Colin Duchassouy (Internship, Centrale Lille Institut)
Mr. Pablo Gómez Montañez (Joves i Ciencia, 2022)
Mr. Daniel Eduardo Monjaraz (Internship, CICESE Mexico)
Mr. Jeremy D'Arcangeli Escobar (Degree final project - UAB)
2021

Dr. Yasmín Esqueda (Postdoc, CICESE, México)
Mr. Pablo García Lebière (PhD, ICMAB - UAB)
Mr. Alifhers Salim Mestra (PhD stay - PUCV, Chile)
Mr. Carlos García (Degree final project - UAB)
Mr. Roger Morales (Degree final project - UAB)
Mr. Faïz Attoumani (Internship, Polytech Nantes)
Ms. Blanca Gilabert López (Joves i Ciencia, F. Catalunya - La Pedrera)
Mr. Nick Toledo García (Internship, UB)
Ms. Anna Pérez Serrano (Internship, UB)
Mr. Alexandre Pinsach Gelabert (Internship, UB)
Mr. Gerard Felipo i Esteve (Degree final project - UAB)
2020
- Dr. Yasmín Esqueda (Postdoc, CICESE, México)
- Mr. Pablo García Lebière (PhD, ICMAB - UAB)
- Ms. Maroua Omezzine (Master final project - UAB)
- Mr. Alifhers Salim Mestra (PhD stay - PUCV, Chile)
- Mr. Nabil Abomailek (Degree final project - UAB)
- Mr. Carlos García (Degree final project - UAB)
- Mr. Roger Morales (Degree final project - UAB)
- Ms. Eleonor Artot (Erasmus Internship - ESNCL, France )
- Ms. Anna Bertomeu (Internship - UB)
2019
- Dr. Yasmín Esqueda (Postdoc, CICESE, México)
- Mr. Pablo García Lebière (PhD, ICMAB - UAB)
- Ms. Maroua Omezzine (Master final project - UAB)
- Mr. Nil Ponsa i Campanyà (Degree final project - UAB)
- Mr. Guillem Domènech Domingo (Master final project - UAB)
- Mr. Seyed Komarizadeh (Master final project - UAB)
- Ms. Shima Fasahat (Internship stay - University of Isfahan, Iran)
- Mr. Eudald Vehí Lorente (Internship)
2018
- Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Ramadan (Postdoc - University of Helwan, Egypt)
- Mr. Pablo García Lebière (PhD, ICMAB - UAB)
- Ms. Afroditi Koutsogianni (Erasmus+ Mobility for Traineeships programme - University of Patras, Greece)
- Mr. Joaquim Gispert Montserrat (Degree internship - UAB)
- Mr. Miquel Minguillon Rosa (Degree internship - UAB)
2017
- Mr. Andreu Martínez Villarroya (Master final project - UAB)
- Ms. Marta Rodríguez López (Internship)

Research Lines

Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation of hybrid nanocomposites
Laser Surface Processing of functional nanostructures
Laser Direct Write of nanostructured systems
Advanced nanomaterials for energy and environmental applications

Equipment

Laser systems
- Quantel Brilliant B Nd:YAG laser. Harmonic modules for 1064, 532 and 266 nm emission wavelengths
- Nanio Air 532-10-V-SP laser marking system (532 nm wavelength, InnoLas Photonics)
- CW diode laser engraving system (450 nm wavelength; MDL-F-450-1000 CNI Optoelectronics Technology Co.)
Other equipment
- MAPLE - PLD deposition chamber equipped with liquid-nitrogen cooling and high volume vacuum systems
- Direct laser irradiation - LDW: high precision motorized XYZ positioning station, high vacuum and environmental chambers
- Electrical characterization: 4-microprobe station (PRCBE mini from Perfict Lab), Keithley 2612B source-meter system, Tektronix TBS1102B oscilloscope
- Electrochemical studies: Keithley 2450-EC system (CV, GCD, SPECS), Hioki IM3590 (EIS)
- Microcen 24 centrifuge
- Chemistry-processing laboratory for chemical synthesis and targets preparation
- High performance 16 processors-workstation and special software for the completion of numerical simulations and data treatment (COMSOL 6.0, Mathematica 12, MountainsMap 8.0, etc)

Publications

2023

"Temperature-modulated synthesis of vertically oriented atomic bilayer graphene nanowalls grown on stainless steel by inductively coupled plasma chemical vapour deposition"
E.Bertran-Serra, A. Musheghyan-Avetisyan, S. Chaitoglou, R. Amade-Rovira, I. Alshaikh, F. Pantoja-Suárez, J.L. Andújar-Bella, T. Jawhari, A. Perez del Pino, E. Gyorgy
Applied Surface Science 610 (2023) 155530
2022

"Laser processing of graphene and related materials for energy storage: State of the art and future prospects"
R. Kumar, A. Pérez del Pino, S. Sahoo, R. K. Singh, W. K. Tan, K. K. Kar, A. Matsuda, E. Joanni
Progress in Energy and Combustion Science 91 (2022) 100981 .

"Unravelling the origin of the capacitance in nanostructured nitrogen-doped carbon - NiO hybrid electrodes deposited with laser"
P. García Lebière, E. György, C. Logofatu, D. Naumenko, H. Amenitsch, P. Rajak, R. Ciancio, A. Pérez del Pino
Ceramics International 48 (2022) 15877.
2021

"Meteorite controlled ablation under low vacuum studied using emission spectroscopy: a technique to sample the bulk composition of asteroids"
J. M. Trigo-Rodriguez, A. Pérez del Pino, E. Peña-Asensio, A. Rimola.
52nd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 2021. p. 1384

"Laser synthesis of NixZnyO/reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube electrodes for energy storage applications"
P. García Lebière, A. Pérez del Pino, C. Logofatu, E. György
Applied Surface Science 563 (2021) 150234

"Boost of Charge Storage Performance of Graphene Nanowall Electrodes by Laser-Induced Crystallization of Metal Oxide Nanostructures"
Y. Esqueda-Barrón, A. Pérez del Pino, P. García Lebière, A. Musheghyan-Avetisyan, E. Bertran-Serra, E. György, C. Logofatu
ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 13 (2021) 17957−17970

"Laser fabrication of hybrid electrodes composed of nanocarbons mixed with cerium and manganese oxides for supercapacitive energy storage"
P. García Lebière, A. Pérez del Pino, G. Domènech Domingo, C. Logofatu, I. Martínez-Rovira, I. Yousef, E. György
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 9 (2021) 1192
2020

"Deposition and Growth of Functional Nanomaterials by LDW and MAPLE Techniques"
A. Pérez del Pino
Crystals 10 (2020) 1066

"Laser synthesis of TiO2–carbon nanomaterial layers with enhanced photodegradation efficiency towards antibiotics and dyes"
R. Ivan, A. Pérez del Pino, I. Yousef, C. Logofatu, E. György
Journal of Photochemistry & Photobiology A: Chemistry 399 (2020) 112616

"New fabrication method for producing reduced graphene oxide flexible electrodes by using low-power visible laser diode engraving system"
A. Chuquitarqui, L. C. Cotet, M. Baia, E. Gyorgy, K. Magyari, L. Barbu-Tudoran, L. Baia, M. Díaz-González, C. Fernandez Sanchez, A. Perez del Pino
Nanotechnology 31 (2020) 325402

"Enhanced UV-Vis Photodegradation of Nanocomposite Reduced Graphene Oxide/Ferrite Nanofiber Films Prepared by Laser-Assisted Evaporation"
A.Queraltó, E.György, R.Ivan, A.Pérez del Pino, R.Frohnhoven, S. Mathur
Crystals 10 (2020) 271

"Carbon–based nanomaterials and ZnO ternary compound layers grown by laser technique for environmental and energy storage applications"
R.Ivan, C.Popescu, A.Pérez del Pino, C.Logofatu, E. György
Applied Surface Science 509 (2020) 145359
2019

"Laser-induced synthesis and photocatalytic properties of hybrid organic-inorganic composite layers"
R. Ivan, C. Popescu, A. Pérez del Pino, I. Yousef, C. Logofatu, E. György
Journal of Materials Science 54 (2019) 3927–3941

"Enhancement of supercapacitive properties of laser deposited graphene-based electrodes through carbon nanotube loading and nitrogen doping"
A. Pérez del Pino, M. Rodríguez López, M. A. Ramadan, P. García Lebière, C. Logofatu, I. Martínez-Rovira, I. Yousef, E. György
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics 21 (2019) 25175 - 25186

"A review on synthesis of graphene, h-BN and MoS2 for energy storage applications: Recent progress and perspectives"
R. Kumar, S Sahoo, E. Joanni, R K Singh, R. M. Yadav, R. K. Verma, D. P. Singh, A. Pérez del Pino, S. A. Moshkalev
Nano Research 12 (2019) 2655–2694

"Mineralization-inspired synthesis of magnetic zeolitic imidazole framework composites"
M. Hoop, A. Terzopoulou, X. Z. Chen, A. M. Hirt, M. Charilaou, Y. Shen, F. Mushtaq, A. Pérez del Pino, C. Logofatu, L. Simonelli, A. J. deMello, P. Falcaro, C. J. Doonan, B. J. Nelson, J. Puigmartí-Luis, S. Pané
Angewandte Chemie 131 (2019) 13684–13689

"Fabrication of graphene-based electrochemical capacitors through reactive inverse matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation"
A. Pérez del Pino, M. A. Ramadan, P. García Lebière, R. Ivan, C. Logofatu, I. Yousef, E György
Applied Surface Science 484 (2019) 245-256

"Super-capacitive performance of manganese dioxide / graphene nano-walls electrodes deposited on stainless steel current collectors"

R. Amade, A. Muyshegyan-Avetisyan, J. Martí-González, A. Pérez-del-Pino, E. György, E. Pascual, J. L. Andújar, E. Bertra-Serra
Materials 12 (2019) 483-494

"UV-visible light induced photocatalytic activity of TiO2: graphene oxide nanocomposite coatings"
A. Datcu, M.L. Mendoza, A. Pérez del Pino, C. Logofatu, C. Luculescu, E. György
Catalysis Today 321-322 (2019) 81-86
2018

"UV-visible light induced photocatalytic activity of TiO2: graphene oxide nanocomposite coatings"
E. György, A. Pérez del Pino, L. Duta, C. Logofatu, A. Duta
Chapter 2 in "Graphene oxide. Advances in research and applications", Nova Science Publishers, Inc. New York, 2018

"Reduced graphene oxide/iron oxide nanohybrid flexible electrodes grown by laser-based technique for energy storage applications"
A.Queraltó, A. Pérez del Pino, C.Logofatu, A.Datcu, R.Amade, E.Bertran-Serra, E.György
Ceramics International 44 (2018) 20409-20416

"Reactive laser synthesis of nitrogen doped hybrid graphene-based electrodes for energy storage"
A. Pérez del Pino, A. Martínez Villarroya, A. Chuquitarqui, C. Logofatu, D. Tonti, E. György
Journal of Materials Chemistry A 6 (2018) 16074-16086

"Selective laser-assisted synthesis of tubular van der Waals heterostructures of single-layered PbI2 within CNTs exhibiting carrier photogeneration"
D. Kepić, S. Sandoval, A. Pérez del Pino, E. György, A. Gómez, M. Pfannmoeller, G. Van Tendeloo, B. Ballesteros, G. Tobias
ACS Nano 12 (2018) 6648–6656

"Procedimiento de obtención de un electrodo flexible"

A. Pérez del Pino, A. Chuquitarqui, L. C. Cotet
Patent number P201830553 (2018)

"Synthesis of graphene-based photocatalysts for water splitting by laser-induced doping with ionic liquids"
A. Pérez del Pino, Gonzalez-Campo, S. Giraldo, J. Peral, E. György, C. Logofatu, A. J. deMello, J. Puigmartí-Luis
Carbon 130 (2018) 48-58

"Enhanced UV- and visible-light driven photocatalytic performances and recycling properties of graphene oxide/ZnO hybrid layers"

E. György, C. Logofatu, A. Pérez del Pino, A. Datcu, O. Pascu, R. Ivan
Ceramics International 44 (2018) 1826-1835
2017

"Laser-driven coating of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes with manganese oxide from metal organic precursors for energy storage"

A. Pérez del Pino, E. György, I. Alshaikh, F. Pantoja-Suárez, J. L. Andújar, E. Pascual, R. Amade, E. Bertran-Serra

Nanotechnology 28 (2017) 395405

"Synthesis of Reduced Graphene Oxide/Silver Nanocomposite Electrodes by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation"

A. Queraltó, A. Pérez del Pino, C. Logofatu, A. Datcu, R. Amade, I. Alshaikh, E. Bertran, I. Urzica, E. György

Journal of Alloys and Compounds 726 (2017) 1003-13

"Structure-property relationships for Eu doped TiO2 thin films grown by laser assisted technique from colloidal sols"

I. Camps, M. Borlaf, M. T. Colomer, R. Moreno, L. Duta, C. Nita, A. Pérez del Pino, C. Logofatu, R. Serna, E. György

RSC Advances 7 (2017) 37643-53

"Nanosecond laser-assisted nitrogen doping of graphene oxide dispersions"

D. Kepić, S. Sandoval, A. Pérez del Pino, E. György, L. Cabana, B. Ballesteros, G. Tobias
Chemical Physics and Physical Chemistry 18 (2017) 935-941

"Laser nanostructuration of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes coated with nickel oxide nanoparticles"
A. Pérez del Pino, E. György, S. Hussain, J. L. Andújar, E. Pascual, R. Amade, E. Bertrán
Journal of Materials Science 52 (2017) 4002-4015.
2016

"Ultrafast Epitaxial Growth of Functional Oxide Thin Films by Pulsed Laser Annealing of Chemical Solutions"
A. Queraltó, A. Perez del Pino, M. de la Mata, J. Arbiol, M. Tristany, X. Obradors, T. Puig
Chemistry of Materials 28 (2016) 6136-6145.

"Titanium oxide – reduced graphene oxide – silver composite layers synthesized by laser technique: wetting and electrical properties"
E. György, A. Perez del Pino, A. Datcu, L. Duta, C. Logofatu, I. Iordache, A.Duta
Ceramics International 42 (2016) 16191–16197.

"Laser-induced Chemical Transformation of Free-standing Graphene Oxide Membranes in Liquid and Gas Ammonia Environments"
A. Pérez del Pino, E. György, C. Cotet, L. Baia, C. Logofatu
RSC Advances 6 (2016) 50034.

"Direct multipulse laser processing of titanium oxide – graphene oxide nanocomposite thin films"
A. Pérez del Pino, A. Datcu, E. György
Ceramics International 42 (2016) 7278–7283.

"Ultraviolet pulsed laser crystallization of Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 films on LaNiO3-coated silicon substrates"
A. Queraltó, A. Pérez del Pino, M. de la Mata, M. Tristany, X. Obradors, T. Puig, S. Trolier-McKinstry
Ceramics International 42 (2016) 4039-4047.
2015

"Growth of ferroelectric Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 epitaxial films by UV pulsed laser irradiation of chemical solution derived precursor layers"
A. Queraltó, A. Pérez del Pino, M. de la Mata, J. Arbiol, M. Tristany, A. Gómez, X. Obradors, T. Puig
Applied Physics Letters 106 (2015) 262903.

"One-step preparation of nitrogen doped titanium oxide / Au / reduced graphene oxide composite thin films for photocatalytic applications"
A. Datcu, L. Duta, A. Pérez del Pino, C. Logofatu, C. Luculescu, A. Duta, E. György
RSC Advances 5 (2015) 49771.

"Laser-induced chemical transformation of graphene oxide – iron oxide nanoparticles composites deposited on polymer substrates"
A. Pérez del Pino, E. György, C. Logofatu, J. Puigmartí-Luis, W. Gao
Carbon 93 (2015) 373-383.

"Ultrafast crystallization of Ce0.9Zr0.1O2-y epitaxial films on flexible technical substrates by pulsed laser irradiation of chemical solution derived precursor layers"
A. Queraltó, A. Perez del Pino, M. de la Mata, J. Arbiol, X. Obradors, T. Puig.
Crystal Growth & Design 15 (2015) 1957-1967.

"Wetting and photoactive properties of laser irradiated zinc oxide – graphene oxide nanocomposite layers"
A. Datcu, A. Pérez del Pino, C. Logofatu, A. Duta, E. György
2015 - NATO Science for Peace and Security Series A-Chemistry and Biology, 119-125.
2014

"Resonant Infrared and Ultraviolet Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation of Titanium Oxide / Graphene Oxide Composites: A Comparative Study"
S. M. O’Malley, J. Tomko, A. Pérez del Pino, C. Logofatu, E. György
The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 118 (2014) 27911-27919.

"Simultaneous Laser-Induced Reduction and Nitrogen Doping of Graphene Oxide in Titanium Oxide / Graphene Oxide Composites"
E. György, A. Pérez del Pino, C. Logofatu, C. Cazan, A. Duta
Journal of the American Ceramic Society 97 (2014) 2718.

"Wetting and photoactive properties of laser processed zinc oxide - graphene oxide nanocomposite thin layers"
E. György, A. Pérez del Pino, C. Logofatu, A. Duta
Journal of Applied Physics 116 (2014) 024906.

"Ultraviolet pulsed laser irradiation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in nitrogen atmosphere"
A. Pérez del Pino, E. György, B. Ballesteros, L. Cabana, G. Tobias
Journal of Applied Physics 115 (2014) 093501.

"Localized template growth of functional nanofibers from an amino acid-supported framework in a microfluidic chip"
J. Puigmartí-Luis, M. Rubio-Martínez, I. Imaz, B. Z. Cvetković, L. Abad, F. J. del Campo, A. Pérez del Pino, D. Maspoch, D. B. Amabilino
ACS Nano 8 (2014) 818-826
2013

"Study of the deposition of graphene oxide sheets by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation"
A. Pérez del Pino, E. György, C. Logofatu, A. Duta
Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics 46 (2013) 505309.

"Effect of laser radiation on multi-wall carbon nanotubes: study of shell structure and immobilization process"
E. György, A. Pérez del Pino, J. Roqueta, B. Ballesteros, L. Cabana, G. Tobias
Journal of Nanoparticles Research 15 (2013) 1852.

"Laser-induced metal organic decomposition for doped CeO2 epitaxial thin film growth"
A. Queraltó, A. Pérez del Pino, S. Ricart, X. Obradors, T. Puig
Journal of Alloys and Compounds 574 (2013) 246-254.

"Processing and immobilization of chondroitin-4-sulphate by UV laser radiation"
E. György, A. Pérez del Pino, J. Roqueta,A.S. Miguel, C. Maycock, A. G. Oliva
Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 104 (2013) 169-173.
2012

"Laser processing and immobilisation of CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots"
E. György, J. Roqueta, B. Ballesteros, A. Pérez del Pino, A.S. Miguel, C. Maycock, A. G. Oliva
Physica Status Solidi A 11 (2012) 2201-2207

"Deposition of Functionalized Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes through Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation"
A. Pérez del Pino, E. György, L. Cabana, B. Ballesteros, G. Tobias
Carbon 50 (2012) 4450 - 4458

"Polycarbonate films metalized with a single component molecular conductor suited to strain and stress sensing applications"
E. Laukhina, Lebeded, V. Laukhin, A. Pérez del Pino, E. B. Lopes, A. I.S. Neves, D. Belo, M. Almeida, J. Veciana, C. Rovira
Organic Electronics 13 (2012) 894-898
2011

"Synthesis and characterization of Ag nanoparticles and Ag loaded TiO2 photocatalysts"
G. Sauthier, A. Pérez del Pino, A. Figueras, E. György
Journal of American Ceramic Society 94 (2011) 3780

"Synthesis and laser immobilisation onto solid substrates of CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots"
E. György, A. Pérez del Pino, J. Roqueta, B. Ballesteros, A.S. Miguel, C. Maycock, A. G. Oliva
Journal of Physical Chemistry C 115 (2011) 15210

"Effects of Pulsed Laser Radiation on Epitaxial Self-assembled Ge Quantum Dots Grown on Si Substrates"
A. Pérez del Pino, E. György, I. C. Marcus, J. Roqueta, M. I. Alonso
Nanotechnology 22 (2011) 295304

"Processing and immobilization of Ribonuclease A through laser irradiation"
C. Popescu, J. Roqueta, A. Pérez del Pino, M. Moussaoui, M. V. Nogués, E. Gyorgy
Journal of Materials Research 26 (2011) 815

"Guided Assembly of Metal and Hybrid Conductive Probes Using Floating Potential Dielectrophoresis"
Josep Puigmartí-Luis, Johannes Stadler, Daniel Schaffhauser, Ángel Pérez del Pino, Brian R. Burgcand Petra S. Dittrich
Nanoscale 3 (2011) 937-940

"Boosting electrical conductivity in a gel-derived material by nanostructuring with trace carbon nanotubes"
D. Canevet, A. Pérez del Pino, D. B. Amabilino, M. Sallé
Nanoscale 3 (2011) 2898-2902

"Nanocomposites combining conducting and superparamagnetic components prepared via an organogel"
E. Taboada, L. N. Feldborg, A. Pérez del Pino, A. Roig, D. B. Amabilino, J. Puigmartí-Luis
Soft Matter 7 (2011) 2755-2761

"Tunable optical and electrical properties of pulsed laser deposited WO3 and Ag-WO3 nanocomposite thin films"
E. Gyorgy, A. Pérez del Pino
Journal of Materials Science 46 (2011) 3560

Hits: 7488

Electrochemistry and Electroactive Materials

Written on 27 April 2020.

SSC RESEARCH LINES

Electrochemistry and Electroactive Materials

Led by Prof. Nieves Casañ-Pastor

SSC

ummary: The use of electrochemical methods in the preparation of new materials and the tuning of their properties by cation and anion doping in soft synthesis conditions. —– Applications in new concepts in energy storage, new mixed conducting phases, or electrostimulation of biological systems

The electrochemical doping, intercalation in mixed valence systems and synthesis of oxides was initiated in the origin of the Department , led then by three researchers. Then, the specific line, supported up to three fourths of the Department budget thanks to National and European Grants, as well as Marato TV3 projects and industry contracts.

With a focus in mixed valence, mixed ionic-electronic conducting systems, the line has developed:

a) new solid state transformations and materials (AgCuO2)
b) large changes in physical properties of materials by electrochemical reduction (polyoxometalates, vanadates), electrochemical oxygen intercalation (La2CuO4, LnCaMnO4,…), electrocatalysis in O2 evolution and CO2 reduction
c) electrodeposition (YBa2Cu3O7, IrOx, polypyrrole-PEDOT-X, hybrids IrOx-nanocarbons, Bi in Xray detectors)
d) use of electrochemistry in neural cell development
e) and bipolar electrochemistry effects inducing non contact electrochemistry and its application in energy storage and bioelectrochemistry effects.

Direct applications of those studies are found in 2D materials exfoliation, energy storage (supercapacitors with enhanced charge capacity, electrocatalysts in nanoform (POM) or coatings), and electroestimulation bioelectrodes. But also in fundamental aspects of the use of electrochemical processes to study the physicochemistry of materials.

Prof. Nieves Casañ-Pastor

CONTACT

Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Barcelona, CSIC

Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain

+34 93 5801853 ext 275

Researcher ID: http://www.researcherid.com/rid/J-9137-2014

OCRID ID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2979-4572

H 33

i10 87

For further contact : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

DETAILS

1.- Intercalation processes that lead to notable changes in physical properties in bulk and thin layer forms lead to electrodes of various configurations that can be applied in tuning of materials properties, structure, energy storage, transport or in biological applications.

Electrochemical Oxygen intercalation at room temperature

Open framework oxides allow intercalation processes that in some cases include oxygen ions if the mobility of them is possible. That is so in most of the copper oxides that are superconducting. The control of the oxygen stoichiometry makes possible a control of their physical properties. Even at room temperature, electrochemical methods allow induction of superconductivity or big changes in magnetism by doping. ECQM studies show that the actual insertion is a superoxide/peroxide type of oxygen, that if heated is transformed in oxide.

La2-xSrxCuO4 structure in which oxygen intercalation is possible by electrochemical oxidation resulting in induction of superconducting properties with higher Tc values. The Mn equivalent behaves equally, resulting in dramatic changes in its magnetic properties

Direct RT electrochemical solid state transformation of Ag₂Cu₂O₃ into Ag₂Cu₂O₄

Electrochemical solid state transformations at room temperature

The same electrochemical treatment induces structure transformations in solid state at room temperature. Ej. Ag₂Cu₂O₃ to Ag₂Cu₂O₄ as shown below 1 O atom “intercalated” per unit formula. Pass from a 3D structure to a 2D one at r.t. !!!!; The final phase is a peculiar case where all elements are shown to be in mixed valence states.

Other soft chemistry methods : Low T Hydrothermal inducing oxidation state effects in nanostructure

Ag2CuMnO4 represents the first delafossite with Cu/Mn ordered with a 2D structure . Ferromagnetic coupling within the layers is coupled with Antiferromagnetic exchange among layers joined by Ag ions

Ag2Cu3Cr2O8(OH)4:A new bidimensional silver-copper mixed -oxyhydroxide with in-plane ferromagnetic coupling

Dalton Transactions, 2016, DOI: 10.1039/C6DT03986C
Oxidazing conditions render layered Silver-Copper oxides . In some cases are metallic, Ag2Cu2O4, in some others , ferromagnetic, Ag2CuMnO4 or Ag2Cu3Cr2O8(OH)4. In the last two cases, a significant difference lies on the connection among Cu-O layers. In one case direct bonding through Ag orbitals allows further antiferromagnetic coupling at lower temperatires, rendering a ferro-antiferrotransition. In the other Cu-O layers behave as completely isolated from each other.

Electrochemically exfoliated graphene in non -surfactant aqueous media

Electrochemical exfoliation of Graphite to yield Pristine Graphene

Anodic exfoliation in presence of surfactants or without them , has been possible from Carbon in the form of graphite. The pristine graphene obtained shows no defects as compared with the reduced graphene oxide, and has yielded a series of hybrid materials with a superior charge capacity useful in supercapacitors and electrostimulation electrodes

2.- Electrochemical reduction of Polyoxometalates, nanoclusters of W and Mo , have allowed to elucidate the influence of delocalized electrons in the magnetic properties at the nanoscale. Such study has been the base of the new studies of the role of POM as mediators in O2 evolution, and in M-O2 cells

Magnetic Properties of Mixed-Valence Heteropoly Blues. Interactions within Complexes Containing Paramagnetic Atoms in Various Sites as Well as “Blue” Electrons Delocalized over Polytungstate Frameworks” N. Casañ-Pastor and L.C.W. Baker, J. Am. Chem. Soc., (1992), 114, 10384-94.

Using polyoxometalates to enhance the capacity of lithium-oxygen batteries.Tom Homewood^a, James T. Frith^a, Nieves Casañ-Pastor^b, Dino Tonti^b ,John R. Owen^a, Nuria Garcia-Araez^a.Chem. Comm. 54 (69) , 2018, 9599-9602

Electrochemically exfoliated graphene in non -surfactant aqueous media

3.- Electrodeposition methods

Reduction of metal precursors in presence of complexing agents, and further annealing has allowed the synthesis of YBa₂Cu₃O₇ on Ag wires. As an alternative electrophoresis of suspensions of the preformed oxide also yields coatings of the oxide as shown in the figure. The opposite electrodeposition, Ag on the oxide , difficult for the rich redox chemistry of the oxide , is also possible in certain conditions

4. Electroactive materials for biological applications.

Interfase studies with neural systems and Electrostimulation

IrOx electrodeposited transparent coatings as the best substrates for neural growth in absence of electric fields and in presence of them when amorphous. Thermal evolution results in rutile structures. A channel spongy- like original oxohydroxide results: IrOx(OH)y.nH2O with a local rutile-like structure. Dynamic deposition has allowed a fourfould increase in charge capacity for this iridium oxide, and fully improved adhesion to the substrate

Electrochemically exfoliated graphene in non -surfactant aqueous media

Cell culture studies on neural cortex cells from rat embryo , show survival above controls
(collaboration with HNP Toledo and IIBB-CSIC)

Conducting polymers based on polypyrrole or PEDOT with various counterions. Best cell growth when counterion is an aminoacid.

Thin coatings and interdigitated patterns as substrates for cell growth in absence and presence of electric fields

Cells survive significantly better in aminoacid containing polymers (collaboration with IIBB-CSIC)

IrOx-nanocarbon Hybrids

IrOx-Pristine Graphene Hybrids as Electrostimulation Electrodes: Enhancement of neural repair under short term DC electric field. The electrode material changes the magnitude of the effect

Neuronal scratch response to ELECTRIC FIELD DC applications. And neurotransmitters release under field effects using IrOx-Graphene nanostructured electrodes

Large charge capacity electrodes such as IrOx-graphene allow DC electrostimulation without secondary effects due to radical formation. In that case, neurite extension is greatly enhanced above the effects of standard electrodes. Neurotransmitter release shows an enhancement in neural function under the electric field. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmt.2016.12.002

5.- Bipolar electrochemistry effects in biosystems and electrochemical energy storage devices: Electrostimulation may be induced indirectly with a conducting un-connected substrate , an observation that opens up a new way of thinking on implants in biological systems

Controlling Nerve Growth with an Electric Field Induced Indirectly in Transparent Conductive Substrate Materials. Ann M. Rajnicek, Zhiqiang Zhao, Javier Moral-Vico, Ana M. Cruz, Colin D. McCaig and Nieves Casañ-Pastor*. Advanced HealthCare Mat. 7, 2018, 1800473. DOI: 10.1002/ adhm.201800473

6. Redox Gradient Materials and Bipolar Electrochemistry

Iridium oxide redox gradient material: Operando X Ray absorption of Ir gradient oxidation states during IrOx bipolar electrochemistry. Laura Fuentes-Rodriguez, Llibertat Abad, Laura Simonelli, Dino Tonti, N. Casañ-Pastor* J. Phys. Chem. C, in press , july 2021

Equipment

PAR 273 A potentiostat (1A, 100V)
PAR 263 A potentiostat (100 mA, 20V)
Biologic VMP, VSP, potentiostats including impedance channels
Electrophoresis power source (1000 V, 500 mA)
Electrochemical Quartz Microbalance SEIKO coupled to both PAR and Biologic
Faraday cage
Scanning Elctrochemical Microscopy system including bipotentiostat and scanning system, and cell under development
Contact angle measurements
Electrodeposition and electrochemical cells of various geometries (homemade)
Spin coating system , up to 6000 rpm, for aqueous and some organic solvents
Finger ultrasound with cage and noise reduction
Parr bombs 10 and 30 cm height
Vertical 3-zone oven for high T electrochemistry and atmosphere control

Publications

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

The Vanadyl Phosphate Dihydrate, a Solid Acid: The Role of Water in VOPO₄.2H₂O and Its Sodium Derivatives           Na_x(V(IV)_xV(V)_1-xO)PO₄.(2-x)H₂O.” N. Casan, P. Amorós, R. Ibañez, E. Martinez-Tamayo, A. Beltran-Porter and D. Beltran-Porter. J. Inclusion Phenomena, (1988), 6, 193-211.

Ring Currents in Wholly Inorganic Heteropoly Blue Complexes. Evaluation by a Modification of Evans’s Susceptibility Method.”, M. Kozik, N. Casan-Pastor, C.F. Hammer and L.C.W. Baker,   J. Am. Chem. Soc., (1988), 110, 7697-7701

“Magnetic Properties of Mixed-Valence Heteropoly Blues. Interactions within Complexes Containing Paramagnetic Atoms in Various Sites as Well as “Blue” Electrons Delocalized over Polytungstate Frameworks” N. Casañ-Pastor and L.C.W. Baker, J. Am. Chem. Soc., (1992), 114, 10384-94

“First Ferromagnetic Interaction in a Heteropoly Complex: [Co₄O₁₄(H₂O)₂(PW₉O₂₇)₂]^10-. Experiment and Theory for Intramolecular Anisotropic Exchange Involving the Four Co(II) Atoms.” N. Casan-Pastor, J. Bas-Serra, E. Coronado, G. Pourroy and L.C.W. Baker, J. Am. Chem. Soc., (1992), 114, 10380-3.

“Electrochemical Oxidation of Lanthanum Cuprates. Superconductivity vs Thermal Treatment in La₂CuO₄₊_d.N. Casañ-Pastor, P. Gomez-Romero, A. Fuertes, J.M. Navarro, M.J. Sanchis, S. Ondoño-Castillo Physica C, (1993), 216 478-490

“Superconducting YBa₂Cu₃O_7-_d Wires by Simultaneous Electrodeposition of Y, Ba and Cu in Presence of Cyanide” S.Ondoño-Castillo, A. Fuertes, F. Perez, P. Gomez-Romero, N. Casañ-Pastor. Chem. Materials (1995), 7, 771

“Chemical Polymerization of Polyaniline and Polypyrrole by Phosphomolybdic Acid. In situ Formation of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Materials” P. Gómez-Romero, N. Casañ-Pastor, M. Lira-Cantú Solid State Ionics (1997) 101-103, 875

“Dramatic Change in Magnetic Properties of Manganates Ca2-xLnxMnO4 by Low Temperature Electrochemical Oxidation in Fused Nitrates” C.R. Michel, R. Amigó and N. Casañ-Pastor. Chem. Materials (1999), 11, 195-197

“Evidence of Oxygen Mobility at low temperature by Electrochemical Oxidation of oxides. A Quartz Microbalance Study” N. Casañ-Pastor, C.R. Michel, C. Zinck, E.M. Tejada-Rosales.Chem. Mater.. (2001) 13, 2118-2126

Electrochemically induced reversible solid state reversible transformations: Electrosynthesis of Ag₂Cu₂O₄by room temperature oxidation of Ag₂Cu₂O₃D. Muñoz-Rojas, J. Oró, J. Fraxedas, P. Gómez-Romero, J. Fraxedas, N. Casañ-Pastor Electrochem. Comm. 4, (2002) , 684-689

“POLYOXOMETALATES: FROM INORGANIC CHEMISTRY TO MATERIALS SCIENCE” (review) N. Casañ-Pastor, P. Gómez-Romero. Frontiers in Bioscience 9, 1759-1770, 2004

Electronic Structure of Ag2Cu2O4 and its precursor Ag2Cu2O3. Oxidized mixed valence silver and copper and internal valence fluctuations” D. Muñoz-Rojas, G. Subías, J. Fraxedas, P. Gómez-Romero, N. Casañ-Pastor, J. Phys. Chem B (2005), 109, 6193-6203

“High Quality Silver Contacts on Ceramic Superconductors Obtained by Electrodeposition from Non aqueous Solvents” L. Angurel, J.M. Andrés, D. Muñoz- Rojas, N. Casañ-Pastor, .Supercond. Sci. Tecn. (2005), 18, 135-141

Ag₂CuMnO₄ : A new Silver Copper Oxide with Delafossite Structure.D. Muñoz-Rojas, G. Subías, M. Casas-Cabanas, J. Fraxedas, J. Oro-Sole, R. I. Walton, E. García, J. Gonzalez-Calbet, B. Martínez, and N. Casañ-Pastor* J. Solid State Chem. (2006) 179, 3883-3892

Electrochemically Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes and their Application to Rechargeable Lithium Batteries,M. Baibarac,^* M. Lira-Cantú, J. Oró Sol, N. Casañ-Pastor and P. Gomez-Romero^* Small:, 2006 , 2, 1075-1082

“Transport properties and Lithium Insertion study in the p-type Semiconductors AgCuO2 and AgCu0.5Mn0.5O2” F. Sauvage, D Muñoz-Rojas, K. Poeppelmeier, N. Casañ-Pastor. J. Solid State Chemistry , 2009, 182 , 374-382.

Neural Cell growth on Anatase TiO₂ Coatings ” J. Collazos-Castro, A.M. Cruz, LL. Abad, J. Fraxedas, M. Lira-Cantú, M. Carballo-Vila, A. Pego, C. Fonseca, A. Sanjoan, N. Casañ-Pastor* Thin Solid Films , 518, (2009) 160-170

Rutile substrata for Neural Cell Growth. Mónica Carballo-Vila, Berta Moreno-Burriel, Jose R. Jurado, Eva Chinarro, A. Perez, Nieves Casañ-Pastor, and Jorge E. Collazos-Castro*Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part A, 90 (2009) 94-105

High Conductivity in hydrothermally-grown AgCuO₂ single crystals verified using FIB-deposited nanocontacts. D. Muñoz-Rojas, R. Cordoba, A. Fern¡ndez-Pacheco, J. M. De Teresa, G. Sauthier, J. Fraxedas, R. I. Walton, N. Casañ-Pastor. Inorganic Chemistry, 49, 2010, 10977

The synthesis of graphene sheets with controlled thickness and order using surfactant-assisted electrochemical processes M. Alanyologlu, J. Oró, N. Casañ-Pastor. Carbon, 50, 2012 , 142. MOST CITED

Iridium Oxohydroxide, a Significant Member in the Family of Iridium Oxides. Stoichiometry, Characterization, and Implications in Bioelectrodes.A. M. Cruz, Ll. Abad, N. M. Carretero, J. Moral-Vico, J. Fraxedas, P. Lozano, G. Subias, V. Padial, M. Carballo, J. E. Collazos-Castro, and N. Casañ-Pastor*;J. Phys. Chem. C , 116 , 2012, 5155-5168

Iridium Oxide sensor for biomedical applications. Case urea-urease in real urine samplesElisabet Prats-Alfonso; Llibertat Abad; Nieves Casan-Pastor; Javier Gonzalo-Ruiz; Eva Baldrich Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 39, 2013, 163-169

Graded conducting titanium-iridium oxide coatings for bioelectrodes in neural systemsA.M. Cruz, N. Casañ-Pastor Thin Solid Films, 534, 2013, 316-324

Dynamic electrodeposition of aminoacid-polypyrrole on aminoacid-PEDOT substrates: Conducting polymer bilayers as electrodes in neural systems.“J. Moral-Vico, N. M. Carretero, E. Perez, C. Suñol, M. Lichtenstein, N. Casañ-Pastor , Electrochim. Acta 111 (2013),  250-260

Nanocomposites of iridium oxide and conducting polymers as electroactive phases in biological media.J. Moral-Vico,, S. Sanchez-Redondo, E. Perez, M. Lichtenstein, C. Suñol, N. Casañ-Pastor. Acta Biomaterialia, 10 (2014) 2177-218

IrOx-Carbon Nanotubes Hybrid:A Nanostructured Material for Electrodes with Increased Charge Capacity in Neural systems.  Nina M. Carretero, Mathieu P. Lichtenstein, Estela Perez, Laura Cabana, Cristina Suñol,Nieves Casañ-Pastor*, Acta Biomaterialia, 10, 2014, 4548-4558 .

Enhanced charge capacity in Iridium Oxide-Graphene Oxide Hybrids. N. M. Carretero , M. P. Lichtenstein , E. Perez , S. Sandoval , G. Tobias , C. Suñol , N. Casan-Pastor * Electrochimica Acta, 157 (2015) 369-377

Coatings of Nanostructured Pristine Graphene-IrOx Hybrids for Neural Electrodes: Layered Stacking and the role of non-oxygenated Graphene.E. Perez, M. P. Lichtenstein, C. Suñol , N. Casan-Pastor*. Materials Science & Engineering C, 55, 2015, 218-226

A comparative study on surface treatments in the immobilization improvement of hexahistidine-tagged protein on the indium tin oxide surface. M.B. Ismail, N. Casañ-Pastor, E. Pérez, A. Soltani, A. Othmane   J. Nanomed. Nanotechnol. 7 (372), 2016, 1-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2157-7439.1000372.

Short term electrostimulation enhancing neural repair in vitro using large charge capacity nanostructured electrodes. M.P. Lichtenstein, E. Pérez, L. Ballesteros, C. Suñol, N. Casañ-Pastor* Applied Materials Today 6, 2017, 29-43

Ag₂Cu₃Cr₂O₈(OH)₄:A new bidimensional silver-copper mixed -oxyhydroxide with in-plane ferromagnetic coupling. Nieves Casañ-Pastor*, Jordi Rius, Oriol Vallcorba, Inma Peral, Judith Oró-Solé, Daniel S. Cook, Richard I. Walton, Alberto García, David Muñoz-Rojas. Dalton Transactions, 46, 2017, 1093-1104, DOI: 10.1039/C6DT03986C

Controlling Nerve Growth with an Electric Field Induced Indirectly in Transparent Conductive Substrate Materials. Ann M. Rajnicek, Zhiqiang Zhao, Javier Moral-Vico, Ana M. Cruz, Colin D. McCaig and Nieves Casañ-Pastor*. Advanced HealthCare Mat.  Accepted June 2018. DOI: 10.1002/ adhm.20180047

Microstructure and electrical transport in electrodeposited Bi films. J.Moral-Vico, N.Casañ-Pastor, A.Camón, C.Pobes, R.M.Jáudenes, P.Strichovanec and L.Fàbrega. J. Electroanal. Chem. , 832, (2019), 40-47

Using polyoxometalates to enhance the capacity of lithium-oxygen batteries. Tom Homewood, James T. Frith, Nieves Casañ-Pastor, Dino Tonti ,John R. Owen, Nuria Garcia-Araez^.Chem. Comm. 54   (69) , 2018, 9599-9602 .

Electric Field Gradients and Bipolar Electrochemistry effects on Neural Growth. A finite element study on inmersed electroactive conducting electrode materials. Ll. Abad, A. Rajnicek, N. Casañ-Pastor*. Electrochimica Acta , 317 (2019) 102-111 .

Charge delocalization, oxidation states and silver mobility in the mixed silver-copper oxide AgCuO2. Abel Carreras, Sergio Conejeros, Agustín Camón, Alberto García, Nieves Casañ-Pastor*, Pere Alemany*, Enric Canadell*. Inorg Chem, 58, 2019, 7026-7035.  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b00662

Nitro-graphene oxide in Iridium Oxide hybrids: Electrochemical modulation of N-graphene redox states and Charge capacities. E. Pérez, N. M. Carretero, S. Sandoval, A. Fuertes, G. Tobias, N. Casañ-Pastor*. Materials Chemistry Frontiers, 4, 2020, 1421 – 143

Nanocarbon-Iridium Oxide Nanostructured Hybrids as Large Charge Capacity Electrostimulation Electrodes for Neural   Repair. N. Casañ-Pastor. Molecules 2021, 26, 4236..  Special issue: Electrochemical Applications of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials

Iridium oxide redox gradient material: Operando X Ray absorption of Ir gradient oxidation states during IrOx bipolar electrochemistry. Laura Fuentes-Rodriguez, Llibertat Abad, Laura Simonelli, Dino Tonti, N. Casañ-Pastor*. J. Phys. Chem. C, 2021 , 125 (30), 16629-16642.  DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c05012.

Induced dipoles and Possible modulation of Wireless effects in implanted electrodes. Effects of implanting insulated electrodes on an animal test to screen antidepressant activity. Perez-Caballero, H. Carceller, J. Nacher, V. Teruel-Marti, E. Pujades , N. Casañ-Pastor*, E. Berrocoso* J. Clinical Medicine, 2021, 10, 4003. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10174003. Special issue: “Advances in Neurostimulation: Understanding of the Mechanisms and Clinical Applications”

Dramatic drop in cell resistance through induced dipoles and bipolar electrochemistry. Fuentes-Rodríguez, Ll. Abad, E. Pujades, P. Gómez-Romero, D. Tonti, N. Casañ-Pastor*.J. Electrochem. Soc., 2022 , 169, 016508. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac492d

Nanostructured Electroactive Materials with Large Charge Capacity: Direct Field Electrostimulation through Connected and Non-connected Electrodes. Ann M. Rajnicek, Cristina Suñol and Nieves Casan-Pastor*. in BOOK  “Engineering Biomaterials for Neural Applications. Targeting traumatic Brain and spinal cord Injuries”.     Ed. Lopez-Dolado, Serrano MC, Springer Nature. In press. 11/04/2022 release. Online ISBN978-3-030-81400-7. Print ISBN978-3-030-81399-4
PATENTS

Pedro Gomez-Romero, Monica Lira, Nieves Casañ-Pastor. “Reversible electrochemical cells using hybrid organic-inorganic electrodes formed by organic conducting polymers and active inorganic species” Patente N. 9500599, OEPM 1995,

P. Gomez-Romero, E. Tejada- Rosales, D. Muñoz-Rojas, N. Casañ-Pastor, G. Mestl, H. J. Wohl. Preparacion de nuevos catalizadores basados en Oxidos de cobre y plata y su uso en catalizadores de oxidacion. Patente N. 20020 309 OEP 8 junio 2002.

N. Casañ-Pastor, M. Lichtenstein, E. Pérez Soler, C. Suñol Esquirol, PROCEDIMIENTO PARA LA IDENTIFICACION DE ELECTRODOS UTILES PARA EL TRATAMIENTO DE LESIONES NEURONALES MEDIANTE UN MODELO DE LESION IN VITRO Y PROTOCOLOS DE ACCIÓN DE CAMPO ELECTRICO. P201531912, presentada 24 dic 2015.
GRANTS RELATED
- Proyecto MIDAS (CICYT-REDESA-UNESA):
  “Obtencion de hilos Superconductores de Alta Tc por Electrodeposicion de los Metales Constituyentes y por Electroforesis del Oxido Preformado” Investigador Principal: N. Casañ-Pastor. Referencia: 92/1592
- Proyecto MIDAS (CICYT-REDESA-UNESA):
  “Recubrimientos Superconductores sobre Substratos Metalicos. Obtencion de Hilos Superconductores de Alta Tc por Electrodeposicion y Electroforesis”Junio 1993-Diciembre 1996
  Investigador Principal: N. Casañ-Pastor. Referencia: 93/2331
- Proyecto CEE Human Capital and Mobility (Network):
  “Thin Film Inorganic Electrochemical Systems”
  Investigador principal: N. Casañ-Pastor. Coordinador: Donald M. Schleich (ISITEM, Nantes)
  1994-1996.Referencia: CHRX-CT94-0588
- Proyecto CICYT: “Tratamiento y puesta en forma de materiales electroceramicos y aislantes mediante métodos electroquímicos y de fusión zonal” Investigador Principal: N. Casañ-Pastor. Colaboración con Germán de la Fuente (ICMA, Zaragoza). 1996-1999. Referencia: MAT96-1057-c02-01
- Contrato CSIC- Carburos Metálicos: ” CO2 Electrochemical Reduction: The first Step in industrial CO2 Fixation and the Role of Mixed Valent Oxides” Investigador Principal: N. Casañ Pastor. : 1997
- Contrato CSIC- REE: “Obtención de depositos superconductores de Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox y YBa2Cu3O7 por electrodeposicion y electroforesis”
  IP: Nieves Casañ Pastor
  abril 1997-junio 1998
- Proyecto PGC : PB98-0491 : “Obtencion de nuevos Óxidos con dopajes controlados mediante oxidación electroquímica y electrocristalización a bajas temperaturas”
  I.P. Nieves Casañ Pastor
  diciembre 1999-diciembre 2002
- Contrato CSIC- Carburos Metalicos: “Low-T Mixed Conducting Oxides as Possible Electrodes for Alkaline Fuel Cells”
  I.P. Nieves Casañ Pastor.
  sep 2001- sept 2002
- CICYT MAT 2005-07683-C02-01 “Materiales Electroactivos Funcionales: Nuevos Materiales, Energía y Bioactividad”
  Coordinadora e IP del subproyecto 1. : Nieves Casañ-Pastor
  Fechas: 15 octubre 2005 -14 octubre 2008 .
- NEST Program VI PM European Community: Adventure passed evaluation 6/2005: “DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICE FOR CNS REPAIR” IP. CSIC Nieves Casañ PAstor, coordinated by J. Collazos-Castro (HN Paraplejicos) STREP-Adventure VI Programa Marco Union Europea“DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICE FOR CNS REPAIR” ”
  IP. CSIC Nieves Casañ Pastor, REf. FP6-2004-NEST-C1 028473 (ref. CSIC NEST/STREP/0746.
  15 nov 2006- 14 nov 2009
- Proyecto Intramural CSIC PIF 2006 (ref PIF06-021): NEUROMAT:
  “Desarrollo de substratos electroactivos para el crecimiento y supervivencia neuronal”
  Coordinador : Dra. Nieves Casañ-Pastor. Participantes: Inst. Ciencia de Materiales de Barcelona, Dra. Nieves Casañ-Pastor Inst. Microelectronica Barcelona, Centro Nacional Microelectronica CNM, CSIC, Dra. Cecilia Jimenez-Jorquera. Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos , SESCAM, Dr. Jorge E. Collazos Castro Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, CSIC, Prof. Jose Ramón Jurado. 1 enero 2007 – 31 dic 2008
- Acción Complementaria MEC MAT 2007-29316-E, 14 abril 2007-14 abril 2008
  Investigadora principal: Dra. Nieves Casañ Pastor
- Proyecto PN. MAT 2008-06643-C02-01
  “Interfases de materiales Electroactivos nano y microestructurados con sistemas biologicos”
  IP y coordinadora : Nieves Casañ Pastor. 1 enero 2009- 31 diciembre 2011 .
- Proyecto PN. MAT2011-24363. ELECTRODOS DE MATERIALES ELECTROACTIVOS NANOESTRUCTURADOS.APLICACIONES BIOMEDICAS Y ENERGETICAS. 1/2012-12/201 IP Nieves Casañ Pastor
- Proyecto MARATO TV3 2011. Nano-structured Electroactive Materials for Electrodes in Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulation and repair. 1/2012-06/2015. IP y coordinadora Nieves Casañ Pastor.
- Proyecto Intramural CSIC Ref. 201560E053. Electrodos biocompatibles nanoestructurados, electrodeposición 3D de híbridos de IrOx y carbón y extensión a otros metales. Supercondensadores en bio y energía.
- PN: MAT2015-65192-R, :DESARROLLO DE MATERIALES ELECTROACTIVOS NANOSTRUCTURADOS Y RECUBRIMIENTOS: ELECTRODOS Y ESTIMULACION ELECTRICA IN VITRO AND IN VIVO.IP. Nieves Casañ Pastor. enero 2016-dic 2018
- PN Retos: RTI2018-097753-B-I00. “MATERIALES EN GRADIENTE Y ELECTROQUIMICA DIPOLAR INDUCIDA: EFECTOS CASCADA EN ENERGIA, CATALYSIS Y ELECTROESTIMULACION” IP1: Nieves Casañ-Pastor, IP2: Llibertat Abad , 2019-2021.
- Proyecto Marie-Curie EU: Coordinator of MSCA-IF-EF-SE 101026162 “ELECTRA : REdox fLow batteriEs powered by multi-eleCtron processes maTeRiAls.” IP CSIC Nieves Casañ-Pastor, with Cristina Flox. . 2022-24

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Supercritical Fluids and Functional Materials

Written on 27 April 2020.

SSC RESEARCH LINES

Supercritical Fluids and Functional Materials

Led by Prof. Concepción Domingo

SSC

The SFFM group focuses its research in the use of Supercritical CO₂ for the design and preparation of functional materials for a wide variety of applications ranging from energy and environment to biomedical applications

scCO₂ and general applications

scCO₂ is a non-toxic and environmentally benign green solvent that has been widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, scCO₂ (which reaches its supercritical conditions at 31.1 °C and 7.4 MPa) also has many outstanding properties, which give it a great potential for advanced synthesis and materials processing. In particular, it is an attractive alternative to organic solvents that are widely recognized as pollutant or toxic. ScCO₂ is a non-destructive fluid with null surface tension, thus adequate to create or manipulate complex primary nanoparticles, functional nanomaterials and nanostructures. Moreover, the low viscosity of the compressed fluid and its high diffusivity allow for exceptionally effective penetration in nanopores.

The overall objective of the SFFM group is to use this clean supercritical fluid technology, coupled with other chemical processing approaches, as a platform to develop flexible manufacturing routes for the cost-effective production of nanoporous materials as well as 3D nanostructures using sustainable processes. scCO₂technology is used for the production of high performance existing and new products with unique characteristics in regard to composition (purity), size (micro or nanoscale) and architecture (fibres, foams).

CONTACT

Prof. Concepción Domingo

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Dr. Ana Mª López-Periago

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Julio Fraile

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Research Topics

Our current interest is largely focused on the preparation of porous polymers, coordination polymers and graphene-based aerogel composites. These research lines interlink to create further advanced and more sophisticated structures.

Godoy-Gallardo, Maria; Portolés-Gil, Núria; López-Periago, Ana M; Domingo, Concepción; Hosta-Rigau, Leticia, Materials Science and Engineering C, 2020, 117,11124

Polymeric porous materials

Materials employed for the fabrication of scaffolds have mainly relied on bioceramics and biodegradable polymer

In our group, we propose the use of scCO₂for the preparation of composite scaffolds made from bioceramics and polymers such as hydroxyapatite (HA) and polycraprolactone (PCL) matrix.

The scaffolds are fabricated using scCO₂technology and controlled pressurization/depressurization regimens, which help to display a highly interconnected network of pores with a multimodal pore size distribution. This architecture can mimic the extracellular matrix of natural tissue, in which the macropores can promote cell growth, proliferation and migration, and the microporous network allows the diffusion of the necessary oxygen, nutrients and waste.

Coordination Polymers and Metal organic frameworks

The SFFM research group pioneered the synthesis of coordination polymers in scCO₂, showing that this fluid can act simultaneously as solvent and activation agent.

MOFs are hybrid network structures formed by self-assembly of metal ions or clusters and organic linking groups. These structures have a great variety of applications in catalysis, drug delivery, or gas separation and storage.

In this research topic, we propose an attractive synthetic method for the preparation of MOFs and coordination polymers. These hybrid materials can be obtained by using bidentate and tridentate N donor ligands, such as bipyridyl and triazine derivative organic linkers, respectively. Among the coordination polymers based on M2+ transition metals, there is a large variety of structural motifs when reacted with the different linkers, including simple and sinusoidal 1D chains, 2D double helices with simple and interpenetrating layers and even 3D frameworks.

Since the first synthesis of a coordination polymer using scCO2, more than 25 structures have been synthesised, from rigid to flexible structures, as well as very well known MOFs using carboxylate linkers such as ZIF-8, H-Kust-1 or MIL-100 (Fe).

Nuria Portoles-Gil, Arianna Lanza, Nuria Aliaga-Alcalde, José A Ayllón, Mauro Gemmi, Enrico Mugnaioli, Ana M López-Periago*, Concepción Domingo, “Crystalline curcumin bioMOF obtained by precipitation in supercritical CO2 and structural determination by electron diffraction tomography”. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 2018, 6, 12309-12319

BIO-MOFs

A promising field of application of MOFs is the biomedical one. In this case, it is a bioactive molecule, such a curcumine, the linker in the MOF network

Graphene oxide aerogels and composites

We own a patented technology for producing GO aerogels starting from an alcoholic dispersion of graphene oxide. The procedure is developed under isothermal and isobaric conditions, and it is readily reproducible, scalable and cost-effective, leading to a non-reduced end-product.

The aerogel obtained combines stability and robustness with a high functionalization capacity granted by the large number of functional groups maintained from the starting graphene oxide. Aerogels obtained have a high surface area, ca. 250 m²/g, and a high pore volume, between 0.9 and 1.5 mL/g.

The possibility of preparing multifunctional composites using graphene oxide as a basic unit for the controlled self-assembly of 3D carbon macrostructures by supercritical CO2 is enormous. Possible applications include adsorption material in membrane technologies, batteries, supercapacitors, metal catalyst supports, among others.

In particular, composites of metal nanoparticles and GO aerogels are promising for a myriad of applications. As an example, the development of an all-green synthesis approach allowed the preparation of hybrid materials shaped into aerogels with large mesoporosity, involving the loading of SPIONs onto a GO surface via a simple one-pot supercritical CO2 technique for MRI applications

Publications

Relevant Publications 2015-2020
- Multi-layered polydopamine coatings for the immobilization of growth factors onto highly-interconnected and bimodal PCL/HA-based scaffolds
  Godoy-Gallardo, M., Portolés-Gil, N., López-Periago, A.M., Domingo, C., Hosta-Rigau, L.
  Materials Science and Engineering: C 117, 111245, 2020
- Novel Zn (II) coordination polymers based on the natural molecule bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC)
  L Rodríguez-Cid, EC Sañudo, AM López-Periago, A González-Campo, N. Aliaga, C. Domingo
  Crystal Growth & Design, 2020, 20, 10, 6555–6564
- Green and Solvent-Free Supercritical CO2-Assisted Production of Superparamagnetic Graphene Oxide Aerogels: Application as a Superior Contrast Agent in MRI
  A Borrás, J Fraile, A Rosado, G Marbán, G Tobias, AM López-Periago, C Domingo
  ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 8 (12), 4877-4888, 2020
- Preparation and Characterization of Graphene Oxide Aerogels: Exploring the Limits of Supercritical CO2 Fabrication Methods
  A Borrás, G Gonçalves, G Marbán, S Sandoval, S Pinto, PAAP Marques, J Fraile, G Tobias, AM López-Periago, C. Domingo, Chemistry–A European Journal 24 (59), 15903-15911, 2018
- Crystalline Curcumin bioMOF Obtained by Precipitation in Supercritical CO2 and Structural Determination by Electron Diffraction Tomography
  N Portolés-Gil, A Lanza, N Aliaga-Alcalde, JA Ayllón, M Gemmi, E Mugnaioli, AM López-Periago, C Domingo. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 6 (9), 12309-12319, 2018
- An Unprecedented Stimuli‐Controlled Single‐Crystal Reversible Phase Transition of a Metal–Organic Framework and Its Application to a Novel Method of Guest Encapsulation
  F Tan, A López‐Periago, ME Light, J Cirera, E Ruiz, A Borrás, F Teixidor, C Viñas, C Domingo, J.G. Planas. Advanced Materials 30 (29), 1800726, 2018
- Features of supercritical CO2 in the delicate world of the nanopores
  AM López-Periago, C Domingo
  The Journal of Supercritical Fluids 134, 204-213, 2018
- Supercritical CO2 utilization for the crystallization of 2D metal-organic frameworks using tert-butylpyridine additive
  N Portolés-Gil, S Gowing, O Vallcorba, C Domingo, AM López-Periago, …
  Journal of CO2 Utilization 24, 444-453, 2018
- Metal–Organic Frameworks Precipitated by Reactive Crystallization in Supercritical CO2
  AM López-Periago, N Portoles-Gil, P López-Domínguez, J Fraile, …
  Crystal Growth & Design 17 (5), 2864-2872, 2017
- Supercritical CO2 for the synthesis of nanometric ZIF-8 and loading with hyperbranched aminopolymers. Applications in CO2 capture
  P López-Domínguez, AM López-Periago, FJ Fernández-Porras, J Fraile, …
  Journal of CO2 Utilization 18, 147-155, 2017
- Bottom-up approach for the preparation of hybrid nanosheets based on coordination polymers made of metal–diethyloxaloacetate complexes linked by 4, 4′-bipyridine
  N Portoles-Gil, R Parra-Aliana, Á Álvarez-Larena, C Domingo, JA Ayllón, …
  CrystEngComm 19 (34), 4972-4982, 2017
- Binary supercritical CO2 solvent mixtures for the synthesis of 3D metal-organic frameworks
  A López-Periago, P López-Domínguez, JP Barrio, G Tobias, C Domingo
  Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 234, 155-161, 2016
- Hollow Microcrystals of Copper Hexafluoroacetylacetonate-Pyridine Derivative Adducts via Supercritical CO2 Recrystallization
  A López-Periago, O Vallcorba, C Domingo, JA Ayllón
  Crystal Growth & Design 16 (3), 1725-1736, 2016
- Hybrid aerogel preparations as drug delivery matrices for low water-solubility drugs
  P Veres, AM López-Periago, I Lázár, J Saurina, C Domingo
  International journal of pharmaceutics 496 (2), 360-370, 2015
- Hybrid aminopolymer–silica materials for efficient CO 2 adsorption
  P López-Aranguren, S Builes, J Fraile, A López-Periago, LF Vega, …
  RSC advances 5 (127), 104943-104953, 2015
- Exploring a novel preparation method of 1D metal organic frameworks based on supercritical CO 2
  A López-Periago, O Vallcorba, C Frontera, C Domingo, JA Ayllón
  Dalton Transactions 44 (16), 7548-7553, 2015
Projects 2015-2020
- Severo Ochoa: SEV-2015-0496 – SO18. Preparation of bifunctional nanodevices for photodynamic therapy obtained from surface anchored Metal Organic Frameworks using sustainable CO2 technology (15.07.18-31.12.19). A. López- Periago, A. Gonzalez-Campo. Budget: 60000€
- Plan Nacional: CTQ2017-83632-C2-2-P. Materiales Nanoporosos Y Tecnología De Fluidos Supercríticos (NAMASTE) (2018-2020). IP.- López- Periago, IP: C. Domingo. Budget: 101.640 €.
- AGAUR- 2017-SGR-171. Nanostructures per vies sostenibles (NASSOS). Grups de Recerca Consolidats (Generalitat de Catalunya)- IP: C. Domingo. 2017-2020.
- Severo Ochoa SEV- 2015-0496. Curcuminoid-MOF-based systems to control the electronic response by reliable microscaled hybrid transistors obtained using sustainable CO2 methods MOFTrans. IP. N. Aliaga. C. Domingo.
- Plan Nacional: CTQ2014-56324-C2-1-P. Tecnología de fluidos sostenible para la ingeniería de materiales porosos multicomponentes nanoestructurados (subp1: tecnología limpia para la nanoestructuración de productos (SUPERFACTORY) (2015-2017).
- AGAUR- 2014-SGR-33. Nanostructures per vies sostenibles (NASSOS). Grups de Recerca Consolidats (Generalitat de Catalunya)- IP: C. Domingo. 2014-2017. Budget: 40.000 €-
European
- EULANET- PIRSES-GA-2011-295197. Materials with environmental and industrial applications CERMAT – From: 2012- 2016. PI: JL. Brianso (UAB)
- COST action. MPNS (OC-2011-2-10820). Rational design of hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces: the next step towards advanced functional materials- (HINT) – From: 2012- 2016. PI: Marie Helene Delville
- NMP2-CT-2005-013524 STRP 013524. “Sustainable Surface technology for multifunctional materials (SURFACET)”. IP: C. Domingo. Dates 2005- Budget: 2M €.
Patents
- Patent Nº: ES1641.1351_12022018.: “Procedimiento de obtención de un aerogel de óxido de grafeno”. Authors: Domingo, C.; López Periago, Ana María; Borrás Caballero, A.; Tobías Rossell, G.; Gonçalves, G.; Sandoval Rojano, S.; Fraile Sainz, J.
Books
- Supercritical Fluid Nanotechnology: Advances and Applications in Composites and Hybrid Nanomaterials
  2015 Pan Stanford Publishing Pte. Ltd.
  ISBN 978-981-4613-40-8 (Hardcover), 978-981-4613-41-5 (eBook)

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Nitride-based materials

Written on 27 April 2020.

SSC RESEARCH LINES

Nitride-based materials

Led by Prof. Amparo Fuertes

SSC

The similarities in electronegativity, polarizability, ionic radii and coordination numbers of oxygen and nitrogen allow the formation of the same structural types when combined with cations as well as the mutual substitution of both anions at the same crystallographic sites. This can result in the formation of solid solutions where the formal valence of one or more cations may change according to the O/N ratio. The design of new nitrides based on phases and crystal structures already known for oxides is a useful tool for exploring and/or modifying a large variety of physical properties, either through the formation of completely new compounds or of solid solutions.

We have investigated hafnium nitride halide superconductors that show high critical temperatures within non oxidic compounds. We investigate the effect of nitrogen on the properties of important materials such as CeO₂ and TiO₂, and we design new oxynitrides with magnetic, electrical, photocatalytic and luminescent properties. Oxynitrides of transition metals, alkaline earth metals and rare earth metals are an important group of materials to expand and tune the properties of oxides. The differences in polarizability, electronegativity and anion charge of nitrogen and oxygen induces changes in the physical and chemical properties by nitrogen introduction. The effects on properties arise from the higher covalency of metal-nitrogen bond and the changes in the energies of electronic levels, and are important in slightly doped nitrogen metal oxides as in stoichiometric oxynitrides. The stabilization of new perovskite oxynitrides, with the oxidation states of cations tuned by O/N stoichiometry, has lead to new photocatalysts, magnetic and dielectric materials. The lower electronegativity of nitrogen and larger crystal field splitting induced by N^3- shifts the emission wavelenghts of phosphors to the red, and oxynitridosilicates have been investigated as components of white LED’s.

CONTACT

Prof. Amparo Fuertes

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Research Highlights

Mechanism of intercalation of Na in beta-HfNCl

We have investigated the influence of the nature of the transition metal, the co-intercalated molecules, the staging and the doping level on the superconducting properties of intercalated zirconium and hafnium nitride halides. We have discovered an unprecedent re-entrant mechanism during synthesis of superconducting Na_0.5HfNCl by ultra slow electrochemical intercalation of sodium. HfNCl host layers transform to an alternative geometry and then revert to their original structure, revealing that intercalation reactions may proceed by very different mechanisms to those expected in the conventional slab-gliding picture.

N-doping of metal oxides

Nitrogen doping is an important method for modifying the properties of oxides, for example, tuning the band gap of the photocatalyst TiO2 from the UV to the visible region. We have prepared mesoporous films of N-TiO2 showing photocatalytic activity under visible light. We have shown for the first time that ceria (CeO2), a relevant material with important applications as oxide ion-conducting and oxygen-storage component in catalysts, can be doped with nitrogen that would be a significant defect when this material is exposed to reducing, nitrogen-rich atmospheres. Films of CeO2-x-yNx show photocatalytic activity under visible light in the decomposition of acetaldehyde.

Perovskite oxynitrides: electrical, magnetic and photocatalytic properties

Polar hexagonal perovskite BaWON₂

Our research in perovskite oxynitrides has lead to the discovery of large/colossal magnetoresistance in EuNbO₂N, EuWO_2-xN_1+xand in the double perovskite Sr₂FeMoO_4.9N_1.1. We have discovered new vanadium and chromium perovskites RVO_3-xN_x and RCrO_3-xN_x (R= rare earth), showing the effect of nitride introduction on the magnetic interactions between the spins of the transition metal or the rare earth and on the electrical properties. New antiferromagnetic double perovskites Sr₂FeWO₅N have been prepared by topochemical ammonolysis of cation ordered Sr₂FeWO₆.

We have discovered new hafnium oxynitride perovskites RHfO₂N that show photocatalytic activity under visible light in water oxidation or reduction. Anion order in pseudocubic perovskite oxynitrides has been investigated by neutron diffraction indicating a cis distribution of nitrides confined in planes, which is induced by the higher covalency of B-N bonds.

The new compound BaWON₂ is the first example of a hexagonal perovskite oxynitride. It crystallizes in the non centrosymmetric space group P63mc and shows complete order of N and O in hexagonal and cubic layers. Synergetic second order Jahn- Teller effect, anion order and electrostatic repulsion between hexavalent W cations induce large distortions at two inequivalent face sharing octahedra that lead to long-range ordered dipoles and spontaneous polarization along the c axis. The new oxynitride is a semiconductor with a band gap of 1.1 eV and a large permittivity.

Luminescent oxynitrides

Phosphors based on rare earth-doped silicon oxynitrides attract attention because of their good luminescent properties, low toxicity, thermal stability and colour tunability. We have discovered new oxynitridosilicates with apatite and beta-K₂SO₄ structure that show orange and red emission wavelengths under excitation with blue or UV light. The new oxynitride orthosilicates LaMSiO₃N (M=Sr, Ba) are isotypic to alpha’-M₂SiO₄ (M= Sr, Ba) with beta-K₂SO₄ structure and can be activated either with Ce³⁺ or Eu²⁺. Under excitation with UV-blue light the emission wavelengths are red shifted with respect to the high efficient phosphors Sr₂SiO₄:Eu or Ba₂SiO₄:Eu, from c.a. 550 nm to 650-700 nm.

Publications

Selected recent publications

A.Fuertes. Prediction of Anion Distributions Using Pauling’s Second Rule, Inorganic Chemistry, 45, 9640-9642 (2006).
E.Martínez-Ferrero, Y.Sakatani, C.Boissière, D.Grosso, A.Fuertes, J.Fraxedas and C.Sanchez. Nanostructured Titanium Oxynitride Porous Thin Films as Efficient Visible-Active Photocatalysts. Advanced Functional Materials, 17, 3348-3354 (2007).
A.B. Jorge, J.Fraxedas, A.Cantarero, A.J.Williams, J.Rodgers, J.P.Attfield and A.Fuertes. Nitrogen Doping of Ceria. Chemistry of Materials, 20, 1682-1684 (2008).
A.B.Jorge, J.Oró-Solé, A.M.Bea, N.Mufti, T.T.Palstra, J.A.Rodgers, J.P.Attfield and A.Fuertes. Large Coupled Magnetoresponses in EuNbO₂N. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 130, 12572-12573 (2008).
M.Yang, J.A.Rodgers, L.C.Middler, J.Oró-Solé, A.Belén-Jorge, A.Fuertes and J.P.Attfield. Direct Solid State Synthesis at High Pressures of New Mixed-Metal Oxynitrides: RZrO₂N (R=Pr, Nd and Sm). Inorganic Chemistry, 48, 11498-11500 (2009).
A.Fuertes. Synthesis and properties of functional oxynitrides – from photocatalysts to CMR materials. Dalton Transactions, 39, 5942-5948 (2010).
M. Yang, J.Oró-Solé, A. Kusmartseva, A.Fuertes, and J. P.Attfield. Electronic Tuning of Two Metals and Colossal Magnetoresistances in EuWO_1+xN_2-x Perovskites. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 132, 4822-4829 (2010).
M.Yang, J. Oró-Solé, A.Fuertes, and J. P. Attfield. Topochemical Synthesis of Europium Molybdenum Oxynitride Pyrochlores. Chemistry of Materials, 22, 4132-4134 (2010).
M.Yang, J.Oró-Solé, J.A. Rodgers, A. B. Jorge, A.Fuertes, and J. P.Attfield. Anion Order in Perovskite Oxynitrides. Nature Chemistry, 3, 47-52 (2011).
A.Fuertes. Chemistry and Applications of Oxynitride Perovskites”. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 22, 3293-3299 (2012).
A. B. Jorge, Y.Sakatani, C.Boissière, C.Laberty-Roberts, G.Sauthier, J.Fraxedas, C.Sanchez, and A.Fuertes. “Nanocrystalline N-doped Ceria Porous Thin Films as Efficient Visible-Active Photocatalysts”. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 22, 3220-3226 (2012).
P.Camp, A.Fuertes and J.P.Attfield. Sub-extensive Entropies and Open Order in Perovskite Oxynitrides. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 134, 6762-6766 (2012).
S.Thomas, J.Oró-Solé, B.Glorieux, V.Jubera, V.Buissette, T.Lemercier, A.Garcia, and A. Fuertes. New Luminescent Rare Earth Activated Oxynitridosilicates and Oxynitridogermanates with the Apatite Structure. Journal of Materials Chemistry, 22, 23913-23920 (2012).
J.Oró-Solé, L.Clark, W.Bonin, J.P.Attfield, A.Fuertes. Anion-ordered Chains in a d¹ Perovskite Oxynitride; NdVO₂N. Chemical Communications 4, 2430 – 2432 (2013).
L.Clark, J. Oró Solé, A. Fuertes; J.P. Attfield. Thermally Robust Anion-chain Order in Oxynitride Perovskites. Chemistry of Materials 25, 5004−5011 (2013).
J. Oró Solé, L. Clark, N. Kumar, W Bonin, A. Sundaresan, J.P. Attfield, CNR Rao, A. Fuertes. Synthesis, Anion Order and Magnetic Properties of RVO_3-XN_x Perovskites (R = La, Pr, Nd; 0 <= x <= 1)’. Journal of Materials Chemistry C 2, 2212–2220 (2014).
V.Meignen, J.Oró-Solé, W.Bonin, M.Morcrette, M.R.Palacín, J.P.Attfield, A.Fuertes. Re-entrant Layer Reconstruction during Intercalation in Hafnium Nitride Chloride. Chemical Science 5, 2974-2978, (2014).
A.Fuertes. Metal Oxynitrides as Emerging Materials with Photocatalytic and Electronic properties. Materials Horizons, 2, 453-461 (2015).
A.P. Black, K.A. Denault, J. Oró-Solé, A.R. Goñi, A.Fuertes. Red luminescence and ferromagnetism in europium oxynitridosilicates with a beta-K₂SO₄ structure. Chemical Communications 51, 2166-2169 (2015).
A.P. Black, K.A. Denault, C.Frontera, R.Seshadri, A.R. Goñi, A.Fuertes. Emission colour tuning through coupled N/La introduction in Sr₂SiO₄:Eu²⁺. Journal of Materials Chemistry C 3, 11471–11477 (2015).
A.P.Black, H.E.Johnston, J.Oró-Solé, B.Bozzo, C.Ritter, C.Frontera, J.P.Attfield, A.Fuertes. Nitride Tuning of Lanthanide Chromites. Chemical Communications, 52, 4317-4320 (2016).
R.Ceravola, J.Oró-Solé, A.P. Black, C.Ritter, I.Puente Orench, I. Mata, E.Molins, C.Frontera, A.Fuertes. Topochemical Synthesis of Cation Ordered Double Perovskite Oxynitrides. Dalton Transactions, 46, 5128-52131 (2017).
A.Fuertes. Synthetic Approaches in Oxynitride Chemistry. Progress in Solid State Chemistry, 51, 63-70 (2018).
A.P.Black, H.Suzuki, M.Higashi, C.Frontera, C.Ritter, CD. De, A.Sundaresan, R.Abe, A.Fuertes. New Rare Earth Hafnium Oxynitride Perovskites with Photocatalytic Activity in Water Oxidation and Reduction. Chemical Communications, 54, 1525-1528 (2018).
H. Johnston, A.P.Black, P.Kayser, J.Oró-Solé, D.A.Keen, A.Fuertes, J.P.Attfield. Dimensional Crossover of Correlated Anion Disorder in Oxynitride Perovskites. Chemical Communications, 54, 5245-5247 (2018).
R.Ceravola, C.Frontera, J.Oró-Solé, A.P.Black, C.Ritter, I.Mata, E.Molins, J.Fontcuberta and A. Fuertes. Topochemical nitridation of Sr₂FeMoO₆. Chemical Communications, 55, 3105-3108 (2019).
R.Verreli, A.P.Black, C.Frontera, J.Oró-Solé, M.E. Arroyo de Dompablo, A.Fuertes, M.R.Palacín. On the Study of Ca and Mg Deintercalation from Ternary Tantalum Nitrides. ACS Omega, 4, 8943-8952 (2019).
A.Fuertes. Nitride tuning of transition metal perovskites. APL Materials 8, 020903 (2020).
J. Oró-Solé, C.Frontera, A.P.Black, A.Castets, K.L. Velásquez-Méndez, J.Fontcuberta, A.Fuertes. Structural, Magnetic and Electronic Properties of EuTi_0.5W_0.5O_3-xN_x perovskite oxynitrides. Journal of Solid State Chemistry 286, 121274 (2020).
J.Oró-Solé, I.Fina, C.Frontera, J.Gàzquez, C. Ritter, M.Cunquero, P. Loza- Alvarez, S. Conejeros, P.Alemany, E. Canadell, J. Fontcuberta, A. Fuertes. Engineering Polar Oxynitrides: Hexagonal Perovskite BaWON₂. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 59, 18395 (2020).

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Inorganic materials and electrolytes for battery applications

Written on 27 April 2020.

SSC RESEARCH LINES

Inorganic materials and electrolytes for battery applications

Led by Prof. M. Rosa Palacín

SSC

Solid state chemistry and electrochemistry applied to battery materials, covering a wide diversity of technologies with either aqueous or organic electrolytes. These include already commercial (e.g. Ni or Li-ion) or pre-commercial (Na-ion) concepts, as well as new emerging chemistries such as those based on Mg or Ca. Emphasis is placed on developing fertile cooperation scenarios between fundamental research and industry.

Current projects are focused on post Li-ion sustainable technologies based on abundant elements. While for the Na-ion case fast progress is expected as a result of chemical similarities with lithium and the cumulated Li-ion battery know-how over the years, for Ca and Mg the situation is radically different. On one hand, the possibility to use Ca or Mg metal anodes would bring a breakthrough in terms of energy density,⁹ on the other, development of suitable electrolytes and cathodes with efficient multivalent ion diffusion are bottlenecks to overcome

CONTACT

Prof. M. Rosa Palacín

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Dr. Alexandre Ponrouch

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Research Highlights

ELECTRODE MATERIALS

Multivalent batteries

Electrode materials investigated for multivalent battery concepts typically exhibit a transition metal as redox center. A priori, the use of more covalent electrode would be preferred, as the coulombic interactions with divalent ions would be less important. Development of suitable experimental protocols is mandatory, as know-how gained in the field of Li-ion cannot be blindly adopted. Thus, the use of characterization techniques complementary to electrochemistry is mandatory.¹⁹ These have enabled, for instance, to assess reversible electrochemical Ca²⁺intercalation in TiS₂, forming a range of different phases depending on the electrolyte and conditions used, some of them exhibiting co-intercalated solvent molecules.^2,13

The screening of positive electrode materials being strongly limited by the absence of standard electrolyte with adequate anodic stability, theoretical calculations using DFT have been very useful in unraveling suitable electrode materials for divalent cation intercalation.³ Yet, the topic is complex as some hosts that have been predicted to enable low migration barriers for calcium, such as a hypothetical CaMn₂O₄ spinel, come to the expense of phase stability and hence, the polymorphs that can be synthesized experimentally are different and exhibit larger migration barriers.²⁷ In other cases, such as 1D-structure Ca₃Co₂O₆,¹⁵ or ternary nitride CaTaN₂,⁷ electrochemical extraction of calcium takes place, with reversibility being very limited, if any, which might be related to high desolvation energies or unstability of the phases formed.

Na-ion batteries

In contrast to what happens for multivalent chemistries, progress in the sodium-ion battery (SIB) field is achieved at a quicker pace, catalysed by the chemical analogies between lithium and sodium and the wide accumulated know-how of LIBs. The materials choice on the negative side is relatively restricted, and today only hard carbon exhibit realistic application prospects.³² The most critical issue for hard carbon is the irreversible capacity loss upon the first cycle which severely penalizes the practical cell energy density achievable. This can at least partly be explained by the lower stability of the passivation layer formed at the negative electrode/electrolyte interface when compared to the one formed for LIB (commonly termed Solid Electrolyte Interphase, SEI).^1,28

Hard carbon can be prepared from different precursors (phenolic resin and commercially available cellulose and lignin) under different pyrolysis and processing conditions using industrially adapted syntheses protocols. The study of their microstructural features enabled to assess that the nature of the precursor and the temperature of pyrolysis are the major factors determining the carbon yield and the surface area, the latter one having a major effect on the electrochemical capacity.¹⁸ When coupled to Na₃V₂(PO₄)₂F₃, full cells exhibit performances comparable to State-of-the-art Li-ion batteries.³⁹

ELECTROLYTES AND INTERFACES

The electrolyte is sometimes called “passive”, “only” being responsible for containing and shuttling the charge carrier ion of choice (H⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, etc.) between the electrodes. Yet, the electrolyte has a relevant influence in the life-length of a battery and the practically accessible capacity, rate capability, safety, etc.¹² Indeed, the composition of the electrolyte is responsible for the parasitic degradation reactions, wettability of the electrodes and separator, mobility of solvated cations, flammability, etc.³¹ Our research mostly focuses in controlling post-Li battery electrolyte formulations (combination of salt, solvent and additive) in order to tune their physico-chemical properties (ionic conductivity, viscosity, electrochemical stability window, solvation structure …).^6,39,47

The nature, composition and homogeneity of the interface between the electrode and the electrolyte are other crucial parameters determining the battery performances. Electrolyte reduction or oxidation often result in insoluble products adhering to the electrode surface and forming solid passivation layer (the so-called SEI) on the negative electrode or surface layer (SL on the positive). Long term cell operation will only be enabled if such passivation layers are electronically insulating (preventing further electrolyte decomposition), while allowing for cation diffusion through it. Such behaviour is not trivial for post-Li systems and, for instance, salts present in Na based passivation layers possess higher solubility when compared with Li analogues, due to the difference in Lewis acidity of the two cations, possibly resulting in poor stability and cycle life.^1,20,28 On the other hand, Ca salts are usually much less soluble and better stability of the interface is expected. However, passivation layers were generally thought to be the reason preventing Ca plating due to lack of divalent cation transport through them. Challenging that assumption, we were able to demonstrate that calcium can be reversibly plated and stripped through a stable SEI layer at moderate temperature (> 75°C) evidencing that crucial parameters impacting the electrodeposition process are not only the SEI composition but also the formation of ion pairs within the electrolyte. The latter hinders Ca²⁺ migration and results in a high energy barrier for cation desolvation.^6,22 Efforts are now being devoted to control the solvation structure of the cation, investigating its impact on: (i) the cation mobility within the electrolyte, (ii) the formation of the SEI layer and (iii) the desolvation energy at the electrolyte/SEI interface.

Finally, we are also interested in the engineering of the electrode/electrolyte interface by means of coating. For instance, carbon coating on both negative and positive electrodes was found to results in (i) improved electronic conductivity (and thus power performance) and (ii) increased electrochemical stability window (longer cycle life) due to a decrease in catalytic activity with respect to electrolyte decomposition when carbon is directly in contact with the electrolyte instead of the electrode material (often containing transition metal).⁴²

Facilities

Research takes advantage of the technical and analytical resources in the ICMAB and of the shared facilities at the Solid State Chemistry Department. Additional specific equipment includes:

Glove boxes
MBraun and Jacomex
Potentiostats/galvanostats allowing for impedance spectroscopy measurement
Biologic MPG2, VMP3, VSP300, VSP200
Rotating disc electrode
RDE, inside a glove box
Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance
EQCM, inside a glove box
Karl-Fisher titrator
Electric coin cell crimping press
MTI
Carbon coater adapted for both thin film and powder samples
Leica ACE 600
Climatic chamber for battery cycling with forced/air circulation
JP-Selecta
Thermostatic bath for electrochemical tests between -20 and 120°C
Julabo, Dyneo DD-200F
Electrochemical cell for operando diffraction coupled to Bruker D8 Advance
Viscometer
Lovis 2000 M/ME, Anton Parr
Conductivity meter, between -20 and 120°C
MCM 10, BioLogic Science Instruments

European Projects

Partnerships and Collaborations

Selected recent publications

[1] SEI Composition on Hard Carbon in Na-Ion Batteries after Long Cycling: Influence of Salts (NaPF₆, NaTFSI) and Additives (FEC, DMCF). J. Fondard, E. Irisarri, C. Courrèges, M. R. Palacin, A. Ponrouch, R. Dedryvère. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2020, 167, 070526. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ab75fd.

[2] Steps Towards the Use of TiS₂ Electrodes in Ca Batteries. R. Verrelli, A. Black, R. Dugas, D.Tchitchekova, A.Ponrouch, M.R. Palacin. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2020, 167, 070532. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ab7a82.

[3] Appraisal of calcium ferrites as cathodes for calcium rechargeable batteries: DFT, synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of Ca₄Fe₉O₁₇. A. P. Black, A. Torres, C. Frontera, M. R. Palacín, M. E. Arroyo-de Dompablo. Dalton Trans. 2020, 49, 2671. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9DT04688G.

[4] Review-Achievements, Challenges, and Prospects of Calcium Batteries. M.E. Arroyo-de Dompablo, A.Ponrouch, P. Johansson, M.R. Palacín. Chem. Rev. 2019 https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00339.

[5] Methods and Protocols for Reliable Electrochemical Testing in Post-Li Batteries (Na, K, Mg, and Ca). R. Dugas, J. D. Forero-Saboya, A. Ponrouch. Chem. Mat. 2019, 31 (21) 8613. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b02776.

[6] Cation Solvation and Physicochemical Properties of Ca Battery Electrolytes. J. D. Forero-Saboya, E. Marchante, R. B. Araujo, D. Monti, P. Johansson, A. Ponrouch. J. Phys. Chem. C 2019, 123 (49) 29524. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b07308.

[7] On the Study of Ca and Mg Deintercalation from Ternary Tantalum Nitrides. R. Verrelli, A. P. Black, C. Frontera, J. Oró-Solé, M. E. Arroyo-de Dompablo, A. Fuertes, M. R. Palacín. ACS Omega 2019, 4 8943. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.9b00770.

[8] Review-Post-Li batteries: promises and challenges. A.Ponrouch, M.R. Palacin. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A 2019, 377, 20180297. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2018.0297.

[9] Multivalent Batteries—Prospects for High Energy Density: Ca Batteries. D. Monti, A. Ponrouch, R. B. Araujo, F. Barde, P. Johansson, M.R. Palacin. Front. Chem. 2019, 7, 79. https://doi:10.3389/fchem.2019.00079.

[10] Review-Multivalent rechargeable batteries. A. Ponrouch, J. Bitenc, R. Dominko, N. Lindahl, P. Johansson, M.R. Palacín. Energy Storage Materials 2019, 20, 253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensm.2019.04.012.

[11] Review-Rechargeable aqueous electrolyte batteries: from univalent to multivalent cation chemistry. R. Demir-Cakan, M. R. Palacín, L. Croguennec. J. Mater. Chem. A 2019, 7, 20517. https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA04735B.

[12] Review-Understanding ageing in Li-ion batteries: a chemical issue. M.R. Palacín Chem. Soc. Rev. 2018, 47 (13) 4924. https://doi.org/10.1039/C7CS00889A.

[13] Electrochemical Intercalation of Calcium and Magnesium in TiS₂: Fundamental Studies Related to Multivalent Battery Applications. D. Tchitchekova, A. Ponrouch, R. Verrelli, T. Broux, C. Frontera, A. Sorrentino, F. Barde, N. Biskup, M.E. Arroyo-de Dompablo, M.R. Palacin. Chem. Mat. 2018, 30 (3) 847. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b04406.

[14] The nickel battery positive electrode revisited: stability and structure of the β-NiOOH phase. M. Casas-Cabanas, M. D. Radin, J. Kim, C. P. Grey, A. Van der Ven, M. R. Palacín. J. Mater. Chem. A 2018, 6, 19256. https://doi.org/10.1039/C8TA07460G.

[15] Electrochemical calcium extraction from 1D-Ca₃Co₂O₆.D. Tchitchekova, C. Frontera, A. Ponrouch, C. Krich, Barde, M.R. Palacin. Dalton Trans. 2018, 47, 11298. https://doi.org/10.1039/C8DT01754A.

[16] Review-On the road toward calcium-based batteries.A. Ponrouch, M.R. Palacin. Current Opinion in Electrochemistry 2018, 9, 1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coelec.2018.02.001.

[17] Diglyme Based Electrolytes for Sodium-Ion Batteries. K. Westman, R. Dugas, P. Jankowski, W. Wieczorek, G. Gachot, M. Morcrette, E. Irisarri, A. Ponrouch, M. R. Palacín, J.-M. Tarascon, P. Johansson. ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2018, 1, 6, 2671. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaem.8b00360.

[18] Optimization of large scale produced hard carbon performance in Na-ion batteries: effect of precursor, temperature and processing conditions. E. Irisarri, N. Amini, S. Tennison, C. Matei-Ghimbeu, J. Gorka, C. Vix-Guterl, A. Ponrouch, M.R. Palacin. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2018, 165(16) A4058. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.1171816jes.

[19] On the strange case of divalent ions intercalation in V₂O₅. R. Verrelli, A.P. Black, C. Pattanathummasid, D.S. Tchitchekova, A. Ponrouch, J. Oro-Sole, C. Frontera, F. Barde, M.R. Palacin. J. Power Sources 2018, 407, 162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.08.024.

[20] On the Reliability of Half-Cell Tests for Monovalent (Li⁺, Na⁺) and Divalent (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) Cation Based Batteries. D. S. Tchitchekova, D. Monti, P. Johansson, F. Bardé, A. Randon-Vitanova, M. R. Palacín, A. Ponrouch. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2017, 164, A1384. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0411707jes.

[21] On the viability of Mg extraction in MgMoN₂: a combined experimental and theoretical approach. R. Verrelli, M. E. Arroyo-de-Dompablo, D. Tchitchekova, A. P. Black, C. Frontera, A. Fuertes, M. R. Palacín. Phys. Chem Chem. Phys. 2017, 19, 26435. https://doi.org/10.1039/C7CP04850E.

[22] Towards a calcium-based rechargeable battery. A. Ponrouch, C. Frontera, F. Barde, M.R. Palacín. Nat. Mater. 2016, 15, 169. https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat4462.

[23] Na Reactivity toward Carbonate-Based Electrolytes: The Effect of FEC as Additive. R. Dugas, A. Ponrouch, G. Gachot, R. David, M. R. Palacín, J. M. Tarascon. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2016, 163, A1. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0981610jes.

[24] Towards safer sodium-ion batteries via organic solvent/ionic liquid based hybrid electrolytes. D. Monti, A. Ponrouch, M. R. Palacín, P. Johansson. J. Power Sources 2016, 324, 712. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2016.06.003.

[25] Review-Why do batteries fail? M.R. Palacín, A. de Guibert. Science 2016, 351(6273) 1253292. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1253292.

[26] Assessing Si-based anodes for Ca-ion batteries: Electrochemical decalciation of CaSi₂. A. Ponrouch, D. Tchitchekova, C. Frontera, F. Bardé, M.E. Arroyo-de Dompablo, M.R. Palacín. Electrochem. Commun. 2016, 66, 75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.elecom.2016.03.004.

[27] A Joint Computational and Experimental Evaluation of CaMn₂O₄ Polymorphs as Cathode Materials for Ca Ion Batteries. M. E. Arroyo-de Dompablo, C. Krich, J. Nava-Avendaño, N. Biškup, M. R. Palacín, F. Bardé. Chem. Mat. 2016, 28, 6886. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemmater.6b02146.

[28] On the Comparative Stability of Li and Na Metal Anode Interfaces in Conventional Alkyl Carbonate Electrolytes. D. I. Iermakova, R. Dugas, M. R. Palacín, A. Ponrouch. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2015, 162, A7060. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0091513jes.

[29] Review-Recent achievements on inorganic electrode materials for Lithium-ion batteries. L. Croguennec, M.R. Palacin J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 3140-56. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja507828x.

[30] Taking steps forward in understanding the electrochemical behavior of Na₂Ti₃O₇. J. Nava-Avendaño, A. Morales-García, A. Ponrouch, G. Rousse, C. Frontera, P. Senguttuvan, J.-M. Tarascon, M. E. Arroyo-de Dompablo, M. R. Palacín, J. Mater. Chem. A 2015, 3, 22280. https://doi.org/10.1039/C5TA05174F.

[31] Review-Non-aqueous electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries. A. Ponrouch, D. Monti, A. Boschin, B. Steen, P. Johansson, M. R. Palacín, J. Mater. Chem. A 2015, 3, 22. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4TA04428B.

[32] Review-Hard Carbon Negative Electrode Materials for Sodium-Ion Batteries. E. Irisarri, A. Ponrouch, M. R. Palacin, J. Electrochem. Soc. 2015, 162, A2482. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0091514jes.

[33] On the high and low temperature performances of Na-ion battery materials: Hard carbon as a case study. A. Ponrouch, M.R. Palacín. Electrochem. Commun. 2015, 54, 51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.elecom.2015.03.002.

[34] Low temperature synthesis and characterization of Na-M-(O)-F phases with M = Ti, V. J. Nava Avendaño, J. A Ayllón, C. Frontera, J. Oro-Solé, M. Estruga, E. Molins, M.R. Palacín. J. Solid State Chem. 2015, 226, 286-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2015.03.006

[35] High temperature electrochemical performance of hydrothermally prepared LiMn_{1 − x}M_xPO₄ (M = Fe, Mg). J. Nava-Avendaño, M.R. Palacín, J. Oró-Solé, A. Ponrouch, J.-M. Tarascon, N. Recham. Solid State Ionics 2014, 263, 157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssi.2014.06.007.

[36] Electroanalytical study of the viability of conversion reactions as energy storage mechanisms. A. Ponrouch, J. Cabana, R. Dugas, J. L. Slack, M. R. Palacín. RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 35988. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4RA05189K.

[37] Ionic liquid based electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries: Na⁺ solvation and ionic conductivity. D. Monti, E.Jónsson, M. R. Palacín, P. Johansson. J. Power Sources, 2014, 245, 630. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2013.06.153.

[38] The Li–Si–(O)–N system revisited: Structural characterization of Li₂₁Si₃N₁₁ and Li₇SiN₃O. M. Casas-Cabanas, H. Santner, M. R. Palacín. J. Solid State Chem., 2014, 213, 152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2014.02.022.

[39] Towards high energy density sodium ion batteries through electrolyte optimization. A.Ponrouch, R. Dedryvere, D. Monti, A.E. Demet, J.M. Ateba Mba, L. Croguennec, C. Masquelier, P. Johansson, M R. Palacín. Energy Environ. Sci. 2013, 6, 2361. https://doi.org/10.1039/C3EE41379A

[40] Low potential sodium insertion in a NASICON-type structure through the Ti(III)/Ti(II) redox couple. P. Senguttuvan, G. Rousse, M.E. Arroyo y de Dompablo, H. Vezin, J.M. Tarascon, M. R. Palacín. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 3897. https://doi.org/10.1021/ja311044t.

[41] High capacity hard carbon anodes for sodium ion batteries in additive free electrolyte. A. Ponrouch, A.R. Goñi, M. R. Palacín. Electrochem. Comm. 2013, 27, 85-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elecom.2012.10.038.

[42] A new room temperature and solvent free carbon coating procedure for battery electrode materials. A. Ponrouch, A. R. Goñi, M. T. Sougrati, M. Ati, J.-M. Tarascon, J. Nava-Avendaño, M. R. Palacín. Energy Environ. Sci. 2013, 6, 3363. https://doi.org/10.1039/C3EE41243A.

[43] Rationalization of Intercalation Potential and Redox Mechanism for A₂Ti₃O₇ (A = Li, Na). G. Rousse, M. E. Arroyo-de Dompablo, P. Senguttuvan, A. Ponrouch, J.-M. Tarascon, M. R. Palacín. Chem. Mater. 2013, 25, 4946. https://doi.org/10.1021/cm4032336.

[44] A low temperature TiP₂O₇ polymorph exhibiting reversible insertion of lithium and sodium ions. P. Senguttuvan, G. Rousse, J. Oró-Solé, J. M. Tarascon, M. R. Palacín. J. Mater. Chem. A 2013, 1, 15284. https://doi.org/10.1039/C3TA13756B.

[45] Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Sodium Transition Metal Oxyfluoride: NaMnMoO₃F₃·H₂O. J. Nava-Avendaño, C. Frontera, J. A. Ayllón, J. Oró-Solé, P. Senguttuvan, M. R. Palacín. Inorg. Chem. 2013, 17, 9791. https://doi.org/10.1021/ic401447p.

[46] Titanium(III) Sulfate as New Negative Electrode for Sodium-Ion Batteries. P. Senguttuvan, G. Rousse, H. Vezin, J.-M. Tarascon, M. R. Palacín. Chem. Mater. 2013, 25, 2391. https://doi.org/10.1021/cm401181b.

[47] In search of an optimized electrolyte for Na-ion batteries. A. Ponrouch, E. Marchante, M. Courty, J.M. Tarascon, M. R. Palacín Energy Environ. Sci. 2012, 5, 8572. https://doi.org/10.1039/C2EE22258B.

[48] Optimisation of performance through electrode formulation in conversion materials for lithium ion batteries: Co₃O₄ as a case example. A. Ponrouch, M. R. Palacín. J. Power Sources 2012, 212, 233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.04.005.

[49] On the origin of the extra capacity at low potential in materials for Li batteries reacting through conversion reaction. A. Ponrouch, P.-L. Taberna, P. Simon, M. R. Palacín. Electrochim. Acta 2012, 61, 13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2011.11.029.

[50] Na₂Ti₃O₇: Lowest voltage ever reported oxide insertion electrode for sodium ion batteries. P. Senguttuvan, G. Rousse, V. Seznec, J.M. Tarascon, M.R. Palacín. Chem. Mater. 2011, 23, 4109. https://doi.org/10.1021/cm202076g

[51] Review-Beyond intercalation-based Li-ion batteries: State of the art and challenges of electrode materials reacting through conversion reactions J. Cabana, L. Monconduit, D. Larcher, M.R. Palacín. Adv. Mater. 2010, 22, E170-92. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201000717.

[52] Review-Recent advances in rechargeable battery materials: a chemist’s perspective Chem. Soc. Rev. 2009, 38 2565-2575. https://doi.org/10.1039/B820555H

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Nanoengineering of Carbon and Inorganic Materials (NanoCIM)

Written on 27 April 2020.

SSC RESEARCH LINES

Nanoengineering of carbon and inorganic materials (NanoCIM)

Led by Dr. Gerard Tobías Rossell

SSC

Cancer is one of the most relevant diseases worldwide because of its incidence, prevalence and mortality. During the past decades, considerable efforts have been devoted to understand the origin of the disease, find early detection methods that could improve the survival rate of cancer patients or develop treatments and devices that could reduce or eradicate cancer. The application of nanotechnology for the rational design of biomaterials is providing alternative solutions to classical treatments, thus expanding the toolbox available for biomedical imaging and therapy. Nanomaterials offer a unique platform to adjust essential properties such as solubility, diffusivity, blood-circulation half-life, pharmacokinetic profile and cytotoxicity. Nanoencapsulation of biomedically relevant payloads into porous materials is of special interest for the development of contrast agents and smart therapeutic systems. Most of our research activity is in the area of nanooncology, by developing nanomaterials for both diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the framework of the ERC Consolidator Grant NEST.

From the wide range of nanomaterials available, our focus is on the exploitation of the unique properties that both, carbon and inorganic nanomaterials offer. When combined, the synergies of both types of materials results in novel or enhanced properties that are of interest not only in the biomedical field but also in other research areas as highlighted below.

CONTACT

Dr. Gerard Tobías Rossell

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Research Highlights

NANOONCOLOGY

Theragnostic nanocapsules - nuclear medicine

We have developed radioactive nanocapsules that allow nuclear imaging in an ultrasensitive manner and lung cancer therapy. Two different strategies have been employed for the preparation of ‘hot’ radioactive nanocapsules. The first strategy consists in the direct encapsulation of radionuclides in their cavities of the carbon nanocapsules. The second strategy goes via the initial encapsulation of a ‘cold’ isotopically enriched isotope (¹⁵²Sm), which can then be activated on demand to their ‘hot’ radioactive form (¹⁵³Sm) by neutron irradiation. The use of ‘cold’ isotopes avoids the need for radioactive facilities during the preparation of the nanocapsules, reduces radiation exposure to personnel, prevents the generation of nuclear waste, and evades the time constraints imposed by the decay of radionuclides. A high specific radioactivity (up to 11.37 GBq/mg) has been achieved by neutron irradiation, making the “hot” nanocapsules useful not only for in vivo imaging but also therapeutically effective against lung cancer metastases after intravenous injection. The external surface remains available and can be funtionalized to increase the dispersability, biocompatibility and for targeting purposes. Glycans, peptides and antibodies have been employed in the performed studies. The high in vivo stability of the radioactive payload, selective toxicity to cancerous tissues, and the elegant preparation method offer a paradigm for application of nanomaterials in radiotherapy.

Neutron capture therapy

Neutron capture therapy (NCT) is a high-linear energy transfer form of radiotherapy that exploits the potential of some specific isotopes for cancer treatment, based on the neutron capture and emission of short-range charged particles, which occur at low energies. The nuclear reaction that takes place when some isotopes are irradiated with low-energy thermal neutrons, produces high linear energy transfer (LET) particles suitable for cancer cell eradication. The limited path lengths of the LET particles (5-9 µm) produced in NCT can limit the destructive effects to isotopes that are localized in cells. Thus, conferring high therapeutic precision to this type of radiotherapy. We are developing several nanocarriers with the aim to increase the amount of neutron capture elements that are delivered to cancer cells (patent application 202230271).

Magnetic resonance imaging

Although optical imaging is still the leading imaging modality in laboratory-based biomedical research mainly due to its convenience and low cost, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging are currently the mainstream clinical diagnostic approaches. MRI is already a standard medical imaging technique which offers excellent spatial and temporal resolution, and good soft tissue contrast. In this field, we have combined the outstanding properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) as positive contrast agents for MRI along with those of carbon nanomaterials, namely graphene and carbon nanotubes that are employed as nanocarriers. The resulting hybrid materials offer high r² relaxivities in both phantom and in vivo MRI compared to clinically approved SPION. We have also shown that not only the characteristics of the SPION but also the employed nanocarrier might play a key role in the resulting properties. For instance, short carbon nanotubes reveal enhanced MRI properties compared to their long counterparts. We are also exploring the contrast imaging properties of 3D scaffolds of graphene oxide (using a patented technology, WO 2019/158794 A1) bearing SPION.

LOW DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS

1D tubular van der Waals heterostructures

The electronic and optical properties of two-dimensional layered materials allow the miniaturization of nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices in a competitive manner. Even larger opportunities arise when two or more layers of different materials are combined. We have observed that the cavities of carbon nanotubes can be employed for the template assisted growth of inorganic metal halide nanotubes in their interior, thus forming 1D tubular van der waals heterostructures. We have developed strategies that result in a high selectivity toward the growth of such 1D heterostructures. A decrease of the resistivity as well as a significant increase in the current flow upon illumination has been observed in a PbI₂@CNT bulk matrix. Both effects are attributed to the presence of single-walled lead iodide nanotubes in the cavities of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which dominate the properties of the whole matrix.

Research Projects

Targeted nanohorns for lithium neutron capture therapy, TARLIT
ERC Proof of Concept Grant, 2023-2044. IP: G. Tobías
Nanoengineering of radioactive seeds for cancer therapy and diagnosis, NEST
ERC Consolidator Grant, 2017-2024. IP: G. Tobías
Engineering complex inorganic materials for energy aplications, ECIME
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, 2022-2024. IP: A. Fuertes, G.Tobías
Graphene reinforce composites for 3D printing technology, 3D-PRINTGRAPH
MSC-IF, 2016-2020. IP: G. Tobías
Boron enriched carbon nanomaterials as theranostic agents for biomedical imaging and BNCT, BECMATA
SO-FUNMAT-FIP, 2017-2018. IP: R. Núñez, G.Tobías
Development of ultra-sensitive nanotherapeutic anticancer agents for boron neutron capture therapy, NANOTER
MSC-IF, 2016-2018. IP: G. Tobías
Nanocapsules for Targeted Delivery of Radioactivity, RADDEL
ITN, 2012-2016. Network Coordinator and IP: G. Tobías.

Partnerships for Technology Transfer

Selected Outreach Activities

Selected recent publications

Selected recent publications

Theragnostic nanocapsules

Functionalization of filled radioactive multi-walled carbon nanocapsules by arylation reaction forin vivodelivery of radio-therapy. Gajewska A., Wang J.T., Klippstein R., Martincic M., Pach E., Feldman R., Saccavini J.-C., Tobias G., Ballesteros B., Al-Jamal K.T., Da Ros T., J. Mater. Chem. B.  2022, 10 (1), 47-56. https://doi.org/10.1039/d1tb02195h.

Neutron-irradiated antibody-functionalised carbon nanocapsules for targeted cancer radiotherapy. Wang J.T.-W., Spinato C., Klippstein R., Costa P.M., Martincic M., Pach E., Ruiz de Garibay A.P., Ménard-Moyon C., Feldman R., Michel Y., Šefl M., Kyriakou I., Emfietzoglou D., Saccavini J.-C., Ballesteros B., Tobias G., Bianco A., Al-Jamal K.T., Carbon.  2020, 162, 410-422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2020.02.060.

Neutron Activated ¹⁵³Sm Sealed in Carbon Nanocapsules for in Vivo Imaging and Tumor Radiotherapy. Wang J.T.-W., Klippstein R., Martincic M., Pach E., Feldman R., Šefl M., Michel Y., Asker D., Sosabowski J.K., Kalbac M., Da Ros T., Ménard-Moyon C., Bianco A., Kyriakou I., Emfietzoglou D., Saccavini J.-C., Ballesteros B., Al-Jamal K.T., Tobias G., ACS Nano.  2020, 14 (1) 129-141. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.9b04898.

In vivo behaviour of glyco-NaI@SWCNT ‘nanobottles’. De Munari S., Sandoval S., Pach E., Ballesteros B., Tobias G., Anthony D.C., Davis B.G.,  Inorg. Chim. Acta.  2019, 495, 118933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ica.2019.05.032.

Non-cytotoxic carbon nanocapsules synthesized via one-pot filling and end-closing of multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Martincic M., Vranic S., Pach E., Sandoval S., Ballesteros B., Kostarelos K., Tobias G., Carbon  2019, 141, 782-793 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2018.10.006.

Evaluation of the immunological profile of antibody-functionalized metal-filled single-walled carbon nanocapsules for targeted radiotherapy. Perez Ruiz De Garibay A., Spinato C., Klippstein R., Bourgognon M., Martincic M., Pach E., Ballesteros B., Ménard-Moyon C., Al-Jamal K.T., Tobias G., Bianco A., Sci. Rep.  2017, 7, 42605  https://doi.org/10.1038/srep42605.

Carbon nanotubes allow capture of krypton, barium and lead for multichannel biological X-ray fluorescence imaging. Serpell C.J., Rutte R.N., Geraki K., Pach E., Martincic M., Kierkowicz M., De Munari S., Wals K., Raj R., Ballesteros B., Tobias G., Anthony D.C., Davis B.G., Nat. Commun.  2016, 7, 13118  https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms13118.

Design of antibody-functionalized carbon nanotubes filled with radioactivable metals towards a targeted anticancer therapy. Spinato C., Perez Ruiz De Garibay A., Kierkowicz M., Pach E., Martincic M., Klippstein R., Bourgognon M., Wang J.T.-W., Ménard-Moyon C., Al-Jamal K.T., Ballesteros B., Tobias G., Bianco A., Nanoscale.  2016, 8 (25), 12626-12638 https://doi.org/10.1039/c5nr07923c.

Filled and glycosylated carbon nanotubes for in vivo radioemitter localization and imaging. Hong S.Y., Tobias G., Al-Jamal K.T., Ballesteros B., Ali-Boucetta H., Lozano-Perez S., Nellist P.D., Sim R.B., Finucane C., Mather S.J., Green M.L.H., Kostarelos K., Davis B.G., Nat. Mater.  2010, 9 (6), 485-490 https://doi.org/10.1517/17425247.2015.971751.

Magnetic resonance imaging

Green and Solvent-Free Supercritical CO₂-Assisted Production of Superparamagnetic Graphene Oxide Aerogels: Application as a Superior Contrast Agent in MRI. Borrás A., Fraile J., Rosado A., Marbán G., Tobias G., López-Periago A.M., Domingo C., ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng.  2020, 8 (12), 4877-4888 https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c00149.

Particle size determination from magnetization curves in reduced graphene oxide decorated with monodispersed superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. Bertran A., Sandoval S., Oró-Solé J., Sánchez À., Tobias G., J. Colloid Interface Sci.  2020, 566, 107-119   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2020.01.072.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of SPION-reduced graphene oxide hybrids for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Llenas M., Sandoval S., Costa P.M., Oró-Solé J., Lope-Piedrafita S., Ballesteros B., Al-Jamal K.T., Tobias G., Nanomaterials.  2019, 9 (10), 1364   https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9101364.

Novel Fe₃O₄@GNF@SiO₂ nanocapsules fabricated through the combination of an: In situ formation method and SiO₂ coating process for magnetic resonance imaging. Lu C., Sandoval S., Puig T., Obradors X., Tobias G., Ros J., Ricart S., RSC Adv.  2017, 7 (40), 24690-24697   https://doi.org/10.1039/c7ra04080f.

The Shortening of MWNT-SPION Hybrids by Steam Treatment Improves Their Magnetic Resonance Imaging Properties in Vitro and in Vivo. Wang J.T.-W., Cabana L., Bourgognon M., Kafa H., Protti A., Venner K., Shah A.M., Sosabowski J.K., Mather S.J., Roig A., Ke X., Van Tendeloo G., De Rosales R.T.M., Tobias G., Al-Jamal K.T., Small.  2016, 12 (21), 2893-2905   https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.201502721.

Magnetically decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes as dual MRI and SPECT contrast agents. Cabana L., Bourgognon M., Wang J.T.-W., Protti A., Klippstein R., De Rosales R.T.M., Shah A.M., Fontcuberta J., Tobías-Rossell E., Sosabowski J.K., Al-Jamal K.T., Tobias G., Adv. Funct. Mater. 2014, 24 (13), 1880-1894 https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201302892.

1D tubular van der Waals heterostructures

Structure of inorganic nanocrystals confined within carbon nanotubes. Sandoval S., Tobias G., Flahaut E., Inorg. Chim. Acta.  2019, 492, 66-75 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ica.2019.04.004.

Selective Laser-Assisted Synthesis of Tubular van der Waals Heterostructures of Single-Layered PbI₂ within Carbon Nanotubes Exhibiting Carrier Photogeneration. Sandoval S., Kepić D., Pérez Del Pino Á., György E., Gómez A., Pfannmoeller M., Tendeloo G.V., Ballesteros B., Tobias G., ACS Nano.  2018, 12 (7), 6648-6656 https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.8b01638.

Encapsulation of two-dimensional materials inside carbon nanotubes: Towards an enhanced synthesis of single-layered metal halides. Sandoval S., Pach E., Ballesteros B., Tobias G., Carbon.  2017, 123, 129-134 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2017.07.031.

Synthesis of PbI₂ single-layered inorganic nanotubes encapsulated within carbon nanotubes. Cabana L., Ballesteros B., Batista E., Magén C., Arenal R., Orõ-Solé J., Rurali R., Tobias G., Adv. Mater.  2014, 26 (13), 2016-2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201305169.
Books and book chapters

Gil Gonçalves and Gerard Tobias (Editors)
Nanooncology: Engineering nanomaterials for cancer therapy and diagnosis
(Springer, 2018). ISBN: 978-3319898773.

Gerard Tobias, Emmanuel Flahaut.
Smart carbon nanotubes
Smart materials for drug delivery (Royal Society of Chemistry)
Vol. 2, p. 90-116 (2013). ISBN: 978-1-84973-552-0.

Gerard Tobias, Ernest Mendoza, Belén Ballesteros.
Functionalisation of carbon nanotubes
Encyclopedia of Nanotechnology (Springer)
Part 7, 911-919 (2012). ISBN: 978-90-481-9750-7.

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Nanostructured interfaces for electrochemical energy storage

Written on 27 April 2020.

SSC RESEARCH LINES

Nanostructured interfaces for electrochemical energy storage

Led by Dr. Dino Tonti

SSC

Several new and emergent chemistries for electrochemical energy storage are based on the understanding and the engineering of the electrode/electrolyte interface. The approach followed in this line to bring these concepts closer to practical reality involves the preparation of nanostructured materials to use in batteries, and the study of the electrode processes by electrochemical and physical techniques.

The great success of the lithium-ion battery is based on the intercalation reaction, which involves the bulk of the active electrode material and is compatible with a static interface, allowing a large cycle life. Novel concepts and chemistries pursue improving the established Li-ion technology, in one or more properties of such as energy density, cost, sustainability. Use of metallic anodes, air or sulfur cathodes, or flow batteries imply the deposition and dissolution of the active material, and therefore an evolving interface and/or redox catalytic processes at the interface. Controlling composition and nanostructure of the interface is the main focus in this line.

CONTACT

Dr. Dino Tonti

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Topics

Current research activities are grouped into the following topics:

Templated and porous electrode materials

Binder-free inverse opal carbons with pores of different sizes to study the effects of architecture on the electrochemistry of Li-air cathodes

The challenges of novel electrochemical energy storage systems are often related to more difficult reactions, i.e. slower or less reversible electrochemical processes. The development of appropriate material architectures that multiply the number of reactions sites by expanding the interface area and providing appropriate ionic channels and electron wiring without compromising density or cost is critical for efficient devices. However, the use of well-defined controlled structures is also a strategy for the understanding of fundamental phenomena and the experimental localization of possible system bottlenecks, which serves as guide for the further design of improved materials.

Based on these concepts, we have been developing materials mainly for metal-air batteries. Aprotic Li/O₂ batteries are based on the precipitation of insulating Li₂O₂ in the porous conducting matrix of the cathode during discharge. Li₂O₂ formation and removal need to be properly managed to ensure effective operation. To understand what parameters of the porous network optimize discharge capacity, rate capability and reversibility, two approaches have been followed: 1) using model systems with well-defined pore structure and 2) modeling pore filling of practical carbons based on their experimental pore size distribution (PSD). To determine the degree of utilization of the cathode porosity we fabricate ideal structures where we exactly know pore sizes and their arrangements, such as inverse opals.

Another path for the production of attracting materials for energy storage is based on the control of nanostructuration through low cost and sustainable raw materials and routes. Our studies center on processes of drying and carbonization in specific environments to obtain appropriate porous structures from widely available renewable precursors such as bacterial nanocellulose.

References

Olivares-Marín, M. Aklalouch, Dino Tonti “Combined influence of meso- and macroporosity of soft-hard templated carbon electrodes on the performance of Li-O2 cells with different configurations” Nanomaterials 9, (2019) 810
Pérez del Pino, A. Martínez Villarroya, A. Chuquitarqui, C. Logofatu, D. Tonti and E. György “Reactive laser synthesis of nitrogen-doped hybrid graphene-based electrodes for energy storage” Journal of Materials Chemistry A 6 (2018) 16074
Aklalouch, M. Olivares-Marín, R.C. Lee, P. Palomino, E. Enciso and D. Tonti, “Mass-transport Control on the Discharge Mechanism in Li–O₂ Batteries Using Carbon Cathodes with Varied Porosity” ChemSusChem 8 (2015) 3465-3471
Olivares-Marín, P. Palomino, E. Enciso and D. Tonti, “Simple Method to Relate Experimental Pore Size Distribution and Discharge Capacity in Cathodes for Li/O2 Batteries” Journal of Physical Chemistry C 118 (2014) 20772-20783
Olivares-Marín, P. Palomino, J.M. Amarilla, E. Enciso and D. Tonti, “Effects of architecture on the electrochemistry of binder-free inverse opal carbons as Li-air cathodes in an ionic liquid-based electrolyte” Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 1 (2013), 14270

Metal-air and flow batteries

Operando study on the stability of I-/I3– as mediator for charging Li-O2 batteries.

Enhancement of the discharge capacity of a Li-O2 battery by adding a novel radical molecule in the electrolyte.

The nanostructured, mostly carbonaceous materials described above are developed mainly for application in metal-air and redox flow batteries. These systems target high energy density and large scale storage respectively, and can encompass a wide array of specific chemistries. However they have in common that generally the required redox processes take place by electron transfer at the electrode surface and may involve a product deposition. The related problems of electrocatalysis and of the deposition distributions may be influenced by supply of active species, solvation and soluble catalysts. Therefore the influence of all components in the full system is investigated, which includes electrolyte formulations, redox mediators and other additives, as well as design and study of novel cell concepts. The main focus is currently on the reversibility of Li- and Zn-air batteries, as well as the kinetics in V redox flow batteries.

References

Badetti, V. Lloveras, E. Amadio, R. Di Lorenzo, M. Olivares-Marin, A.Y. Tesio, S. Zhang, F. Pan, K. Rissanen, J. Veciana, D. Tonti, J. Vidal-Gancedo, C. Zonta, and G. Licini “Organic PolyRadicals as Redox Mediators: Effect of Intramolecular Radical Interactions in their Efficiency” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c09386
Homewood, J.T. Frith, J.P. Vivek, N. Casan-Pastor, D. Tonti, J.R. Owen and N. Garcia-Araez “Using polyoxometalates to enhance the capacity of lithium-oxygen batteries” Chemical Communications 54 (2018) 9599
Cecchetto, A. Y. Tesio, M. Olivares-Marín, M. Guardiola Espinasa, F. Croce and D. Tonti “Tailoring oxygen redox reactions in ionic liquid based Li/O₂ batteries by mean of the Li⁺ dopant concentration” Sustainable Energy & Fuels, 2 (2018) 118-124
Landa-Medrano, M. Olivares-Marín, B. Bergner, R. Pinedo, A. Sorrentino, E. Pereiro, I. Ruiz de Larramendi, J. Janek, T. Rojo and D. Tonti “Potassium Salts as Electrolyte Additives in Lithium–Oxygen Batteries” Journal of Physical Chemistry C 121 (2017) 3822–3829
Y. Tesio, D. Blasi, M. Olivares-Marín, I. Ratera, D. Tonti and J. Veciana “Organic radicals for the enhancement of oxygen reduction reaction in Li–O₂ batteries” Chemical Communications, 51 (2015) 17623-17626
Landa-Medrano, M. Olivares-Marín, R. Pinedo, I. Ruiz de Larramendi, T. Rojo and D. Tonti, “Operando UV-visible spectroscopy evidence of the reactions of iodide as redox mediator in Li-O2 batteries” Electrochemistry Communications 59 (2015) 24-27

X-ray characterization of battery materials

Chemical mapping of discharge products in Li-O2 battery cathodes with different electrolytes

When a product precipitates during the electrochemical process, the precise knowledge of composition and morphology of the nano-sized deposits provides valuable information on their formation process that need to be understood in detail to obtain true reversible operation. Within this activity, we introduced the use of energy-dependent full field transmission soft x-ray microscopy (TXM) using synchrotron radiation to study the reactions in the oxygen electrode of Li-air batteries. The TXM high energy and space resolution provide semiquantitative chemical information at the scale of few tens of nm. The unique access to the oxygen chemical state allowed detecting the critical superoxide component and its interplay with the other compounds present in the precipitate. The use of this technique has been extended to the mapping of the intercalation state in other battery active materials and complemented with hard x-ray absorption, allowing to observe core-shell effects or insurgence of local heterogeneities among particles, providing relevant insights on the charge redistribution and the irreversible processes to guide the development of more reliable battery systems..

References

Simonelli, A. Sorrentino, C. Marini, N. Ramanan, D. Heinis, W. Olszewski, A. Mullaliu, A. Birrozzi, N. Laszczynski, M. Giorgetti, S. Passerini, D. Tonti “Role of Manganese in Lithium- and Manganese-Rich Layered Oxides Cathodes” Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 10 (2019) 3359-3368
Olivares-Marín, A. Sorrentino, E. Pereiro, and D. Tonti “Discharge products of ionic liquid-based Li-O₂ batteries observed by energy dependent soft x-ray transmission microscopy” Journal of Power Sources 359 (2017) 234–241
Landa-Medrano, A. Sorrentino, L. Stievano, I. Ruiz de Larramendi, E. Pereiro, L. Lezama, T. Rojo and D. Tonti “Architecture of Na-O₂ Battery Deposits Revealed by Transmission X-ray Microscopy” Nano Energy 37 (2017) 224–231
Tonti, M. Olivares-Marín, A. Sorrentino, and E. Pereiro, “Studies of Lithium-Oxygen Battery Electrodes by Energy- Dependent Full-Field Transmission Soft X-Ray Microscopy”, in “X-ray Characterization of Nanostructured Energy Materials by Synchrotron Radiation”, edited by M. Khodaei and L. Petaccia (InTech, 2017).
Olivares-Marín, A. Sorrentino, R.C. Lee, E. Pereiro, N.L. Wu and D. Tonti, “Spatial Distributions of Discharged Products of Lithium–Oxygen Batteries Revealed by Synchrotron X-ray Transmission Microscopy” Nano Letters 15 (2015) 6932-6938

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Thermal Analysis Laboratory

Written on 27 April 2020.

SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL SERVICES

Thermal Analysis Laboratory

The Thermal Analysis and Surface Area Analysis Service is used for the study of the behavior of materials when temperature changes under different conditions and atmospheres, and for studies of surface area and porosity. The Service allows for simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TGA- DSC/DTA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), as well as Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) Surface Area Analysis.

Technicians

Roberta Ceravola

Thermal Analysis Technician

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Julio Fraile

BET Surface Area Analysis Technician

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Scientists in charge

A. Fuertes
Nora Ventosa

User's Commission

Carlos Frontera
A. Fuertes
Elies Molins
Susagna Ricart
Nora Ventosa

Equipment

The Thermal Analysis Service of ICMAB includes two equipments, a simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TG)- differential scanning calorimetry/differential thermal analysis (heat flow DSC /DTA) system NETZSCH -STA 449 F1 Jupiter, and a differential scanning calorimeter (power compensation DSC) Perkin Elmer DSC8500 LAB SYS (N5340501) equipped with a Liquid N₂ controller CRYOFILL (N534004)

Thermal Analysis

NETZSCH -STA 449 F1 Jupiter: Allows for simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry/differential thermal analysis (DSC/DTA).
Perkin Elmer DSC8500 LAB SYS (N5340501): A differential scanning calorimeter with DSC power compensation, equipped with a CRYOFILL (N534004) liquid N₂
Perkin Elmer DSC8000 (N5340511): A differential scanning calorimeter with DSC power compensation, equipped with Intercooler 2 Cooling Accessory (N5374099)
Perkin Elmer Pyris 1 TGA Thermogravimetric Analyzer

BET Surface Area Analysis

Micromeritics ASAP 2000 (N₂): Accelerated Surface Area and Porosimetry System using nitrogen as adsorption/desorption gas.
Micromeritics ASAP 2020 (N₂, Ar, CO₂): Accelerated Surface Area and Porosimetry System using either nitrogen, argon or carbon dioxide as adsorption/desorption gas.

Tecniques

TGA-DSC/DTA

The simultaneous TGA-DSC/DTA analyzer allows the measurement of weight and DSC (heat flow)/DTA (differential thermal analysis) signals as a function of temperature and time. It is used for monitoring chemical reactions, thermal stabilities, solvent evaporation and reduction and oxidation of materials under different gases among other studies. The sensitivity of the balance is 0.07 micrograms. The furnace can operate from room temperature to 1400oC. The analyzer may work in several atmospheres such as oxygen, air, argon and hydrogen (diluted at 5% in Ar), at ambient pressure and with using typical flow rates of 70 cm3/min.

DSC

The differential scanning calorimeter Perkin Elmer (power compensation) measures the energy absorbed and released when a sample is heated, frozen, or kept at constant temperature. Experiments can be made in the range of temperatures between 110 and 950 K. DSC is very useful to determine fusion or decomposition temperatures, phase transitions in crystals and amorphous solids, identification of polymorphs and also permits the identification of the molecular conformations as for example single polymer chain folding among others. With this equipment, very small amount of sample is needed (1-2 mg ) to have reliable results.

Request Form

To request this service, please fill the application form in the link left and leave it together with the sample in the closet located at in the ground floor. For further information please contact the service technician Roberta Ceravola This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thermal Analysis Laboratory

Address:

ICMAB
Campus UAB
(in front of Firehouse)
08193, Bellaterra
Spain

Contact

By email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By phone:
+34 935801853
Ext. 270

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Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Written on 27 April 2020.

SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL SERVICES

Molecular Beam Epitaxy

The Laboratory of MBE (L-MBE) is a scientific service developing own research and supporting research of other groups based on group IV semiconductor heterostructures. The L-MBE belongs to the Scientific Service Unit and is also part of the Laboratory of Optical Properties. The service is scientifically coordinated by Dr. M. Isabel Alonso and governed by a commission detailed below. The service is managed according to the regulations established by the commission.

Scientists in charge

M. Isabel Alonso

Scientific supervisor

User's Commission

M. Isabel Alonso
Joan Bausells

IMB-CNM-CSIC
Jordi Fraxedas

ICN2-CSIC
Miquel Garriga
Teresa Puig
Javier Rodríguez-Viejo

UAB

Equipment

Ultra-high vacuum system (Omicron) composed of Fast-entry-lock chamber and main chamber for MBE deposition on 10cm wafers.

Sources

Electron-beam evaporator for Si
High temperature effusion cell for Ge
Carbon sublimation source with a pyrolytic graphite filament
High temperature effusion cell for B
Low temperature effusion cell for Sb
GaP decomposition cell for P2.

Control Instruments

Process software.
Cross beam mass analyser for Si flux control or RGA.
Rate monitor (UHV quartz microbalance sensor head).
RHEED e-source (30 kV) and screen on lead glass.

Request Service

MBE FORM
MBE PROTOCOL

Molecular Beam
Epitaxy

Address:

ICMAB
Campus UAB
(in front of Firehouse)
08193, Bellaterra
Spain

Contact

By email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By phone:
+34 935801853
Ext. 281

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Spectroscopic Techniques Laboratory

Written on 27 April 2020.

SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL SERVICES

Spectroscopic Techniques Laboratory

The ICMAB Spectroscopy Service was created with the main objective to provide centralised equipments and installations mainly to the research ICMAB groups though the service is also opened to external users. The priority of this service is to offer the highest levels of technology and quality to satisfy the requirements of the research lines currently underway in our institute. The currently equipments available are: EPR, UV-Vis-NIR, FT-IR and RAMAN. For EPR and RAMAN equipments highly qualified technical staff is employed. The rest of the equipments are mainly used on a self-service regime. Three types of spectroscopy techniques have been carried out: a) Molecular spectroscopy: The systems available in our laboratory allow analytical and physic-chemical studies of organic and inorganic molecules (in solid or liquid state) in the ultraviolet, visible and infrared energy range. b) Electron Paramagnetic Resonance: The EPR allows to detect and study transient and stable paramagnetic species such as free radicals, over a very wide range of temperatures.

Technician

Dr. Vega Lloveras Monserrat

Technical support

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Scientists in charge

Dr. Rosario Núñez Aguilera
Dr. José Vidal Gancedo

User's Commission

Vega Lloveras
Narcís Mestres
Dr. Rosario Núñez Aguilera
Susagna Ricart
Concepció Rovira
Dr. José Vidal Gancedo
Clara Viñas

Equipment

FTIR

Spectrophotometer Jasco 4700. Energy range: 300-7800 cm-1. The Service is provided with a Attenuated Total Reflectance accessory (ATR) for powder samples, films, polymers, liquids, etc. Powder samples can also be measured making KBr pellets.
This equipment is of self-service management for internal users, who have been previously trained by the technicians. However, the technicians are needed for the external users

UV-Vis-NIR

There are two double beam UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer, a by Jasco V-780 and a Jasco V-770 with operational range of 190-3300 nm and also a Shimadzu UV-Vis 1700 spectrophotometer with operational range of 200-800 nm.

Liquid samples can be measured in absorbance or transmittance mode mainly using 1 cm or 1 mm quartz cuvettes. The three equipments are of self-service management for internal users, who have been previously trained by the technicians. However, the technicians are needed for the external users.

For solid samples it is available a Diffuse Reflectance Sphere DRA-2500 accessory in the UV-Vis-NIR Jasco V-770 spectrophotometer, with operational range of 190-3300 nm. Solid samples can be measured mainly in reflectance or transmittance mode.

A qualified technician is always needed for running the DRA-2500 accessory.

EPR

Bruker ELEXYS E500 X band EPR spectrometer equipped with a variable temperature unit, a field frequency (F/F) lock accessory and built in NMR Gaussmeter. There are different cavities for the different measurements needed. A qualified technician is always needed for running this equipment.

Request Service

INTERNAL USERS
First contact with the Service Technicians Vega Lloveras (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ext. 300, 311). They will train the users to manage the equipment by themselves because it works in a self-service regime for internal users.
All users must register in the database registration of the equipment every time they use it, pointing out the time they have spent doing the measurement, the group's IP and the project's number.

EXTERNAL USERS
First contact with the Service Technicians Vega Lloveras (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ext. 300, 311) in order to arrange the details of the measurements. At the same time, a service form must be filled in. Every equipment has its own service form. There exists the possibility of working with the apparatus in a self-service regime.
In addition to this, all users must also register in the database of the equipment every time they use it.

FT-IR

Follow the general procedure
UV-Vis-NIR

1. Liquid measurements.
Follow the general procedure.
2. Solid measurements using Diffuse Reflectance Sphere (DRA-2500) accessory.
The technicians are always needed for running the DRA-2500 accessory, for internal as well as for external users. Contact with them (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ext. 300, 311) in order to arrange the details of the measurements.

At the same time, a service form must be filled in.
In addition to this, all users must also register in the database of the equipment every time they use it.
EPR

First contact with the Service Technician Vega Lloveras (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ext. 300, 311) in order to arrange the details of the measurements. At the same time, a service form must be filled in.
RAMAN

Contact with Prof. Narcís Mestres (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ext. 227)

Spectroscopic Techniques Laboratory

Address:

ICMAB
Campus UAB
(in front of Firehouse)
08193, Bellaterra
Spain

Contact

By email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

By phone:
+34 935801853
Ext. 436100

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Thin Films Laboratory

Written on 27 April 2020.

SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL SERVICES

Thin Films Laboratory

The Service of Thin Films has been created to offer to the researchers the capability of fabrication of complex oxides thin films and heterostructures combining oxides and metals.

The deposition techniques are pulsed laser deposition (PLD) for oxides and sputtering for metals. Currently there are two PLD set-ups installed, and in short time both systems will be connected to a chamber with several sputtering units. PLD is a physical vapour deposition technique that uses ultraviolet laser radiation to vaporize material that is transferred to the substrate. The plot in Figure 1 is a sketch illustrating a PLD set-up.

Technicians

Raúl Solanas

Technician

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mengdi Qian

Technician

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel. 93 580 18 53 (ext. 303)

Scientists in charge

Florencio Sánchez

User's Commission

Josep Fontcuberta
Josep Lluís García
Martí Gich
Benjamín Martínez
Xavier Obradors
Teresa Puig
Florencio Sánchez
Xavier Torrelles

Equipment

The technique is very suitable for oxides, and compared with other techniques is particularly useful to obtain films with complex stoichiometry and to grow epitaxial films and heterostructures. Moreover, PLD is highly versatile to optimize the deposition conditions of new materials, and the films can be grown in relatively fast processes. These characteristics favour the use of the technique by research groups having interest in different materials.

The pulsed beam of an ultraviolet laser (usually an excimer) is focused on a ceramic target placed in a vacuum chamber. The combination of pulsed irradiation, high photon energy, and high energy density can cause the ablation of the material. Ablation refers to the etching and emission of material under conditions totally out of the equilibrium. The plasma created expands fast along the perpendicular direction of the target (see the photography in Figure 2). A substrate is placed front the target, and inert or reactive gases are usually introduced during the deposition process.

Request Service

Florencio Sánchez

Scientific Manager

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Raúl Solanas

Technician

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Tel. 935801853 (ext. 323-262)

Thin Films Laboratory

Address:

ICMAB
Campus UAB
(in front of Firehouse)
08193, Bellaterra
Spain

Contact

By email:
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By phone:
+34 935801853
Ext. 323-262

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Scanning Probe Microscopy

Written on 27 April 2020.

SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL SERVICES

Scanning Probe Microscopy Laboratory

About us

The SPM Lab offers 2.300 hours yearly of SPM related experiments to people inside and outside the ICMAB, without including maintenance, development of new equipment, setups, calibration and implementation of new modes.

The ICMAB groups who use the service are:

Superconducting Materials & Large Scale
Nanostructured Molecular Nanoscience and Organic Materials (NANOMOL)
Multifunctional Oxides and Complex Structures
Molecular Chirality
Surfaces and Nanomaterials

These groups make up 65% of the work done by the service. To a lesser extent, the service is also used by the following groups Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites, Inorganic Materials and Catalysis and Optoelectronic Nanostructured Materials. Besides ICMAB groups, service groups performs measurements of the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (Micro & Nano Tools group, Integrated Circuits and Systems (ICAS), Department of Micro i Nanosistemes. Grup Biosensors & BioMEMs) groups the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Sensors and Biosensors Group, Department of Chemistry, Reliability of electronic devices and circuits) as well as to outside companies such as Henkel (Chemical sector) or Kostal (automotive sector). In total, more than 60 different users ICMAB and 13 have used the SPM external service over the past two years.

We also carry on outreach activities inside the ICMAB that brought international attention.

Training personnel (mainly PhD) in the AFM technique is another part of the tasks done at the lab.
What is the Scanning Probe Microscopy Laboratory?
The Scanning Probe Microscopy Laboratory is a 28m² facility located inside the Institute of Material Science of Barcelona. The service is focused in providing state-of-the-art technologies to characterize materials at the nanoscale. Based in the SPM principale, the service is specialized in providing reliable, fast and low cost Topography images as well as advanced modes. We can perform the following experiments:
- Dynamic and Contact Atomic Force Microscopy
- Piezoresponse Force Microscopy
- Electrostatic Force Microscopy
- Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
- Scanning Thermal Microscopy (from 2Q 2016)
- Current Atomic Force Microscopy
- Photoconductive Atomic Force Microscopy
The Lab is divided in 5 different subsections:
- SPM1 : Keysight 5100 available for topographic images in contact and dynamic mode, in liquid, ambient air or low humidity enviroments.
- SPM2: Keysight 5500LS available for PFM, EFM, KPFM, SthM, CSAFM, PCAFM with versatile accesories.
- SPM3: Keysight 5500 available for PFM, topography images and new modes development.
- SPM4: Nanotec Cervantes available for Topographic images as well as a nano positioning system.
- EDD: Electronic Devices Developments, special area to develop new accessories for existing SPMs.

Technicians

Andrés Gómez

Technician

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Tel. +34 935801853 Ext. 388
Maite Simón

Technician

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Tel. +34 935801853 Ext. 388

Scientists in charge

Martí Gich

User's Commission

Josep Fontcuberta
Andrés Gómez
Elies Molins
Carmen Ocal
M. Rosa Palacín
Ángel Pérez
Teresa Puig
Jaume Veciana

Equipment

Keysight 5100 AFM (aka Leia)

Keysight 5100 AFM comprises a scanner of 60 x 60 microns in X / Y and 6 microns in the Z axis. The equipment can use a special liquid cell and controlled environment chamber for conducting scanners at low humidity or in nitrogen. The maximum sample size is 3x3 cm in X / Y and 2 cm thick. The equipment works in the Constant Amplitude Dynamic mode for obtaining topographic images, however Contact mode is also a possibility. The equipment uses an external generator module that can apply in-plane magnetic fields upto + -800 Oe. The equipment is specifically employed to acquired topographic images, having a low noise architecture that allow the acquisition of 500 nm size images.
SPM2: Keysight 5500 LS AFM (aka Darth Vader)

Keysight 5500 LS, it has a 90x90 microns in X / Y and 15 microns in the Z axis closed loop scanner. The SPM is equipped with three independent Lock-in amplifiers that can be fully configured through the use of an external Signal Access Box. The equipment can be used with the following modes: Piezoresponse Force Microscopy, Electrostatic Force Microscopy, Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy, Scanning thermal Microscopy (from 2Q2016), Current Sensing Atomic Force Microscopy, PhotoConductive Atomic Force Microscopy, Bimodal Atomic Force Microscopy. It also has Closed Loop capability that significantly improves the positioning in X and Y as well as a motorized stage, with accuracy of + -3 microns, and a range of + -15cm in X / Y and 3cm in Z axis, so sample size may reach up to 25 x 25 cm and 3 cm thick. A Q-Control is also available to enhance images in liquid. It has a separate accessory for measuring humidity and temperature inside SPM box. A sample cooler and heater with a range of -60ºC to 90ºC and a separate heater up to 350ºC can be used in this equipment. A special current-to-voltage amplifier "Resiscope II" from CSI instruments can be used to acquire topography images. A separate accessory for illuminating samples in the Visible and UV spectra is also available.

SPM3: Keysight 5500 AFM (aka Luke)

Keysight 5500, it has a 90x90 microns in X / Y and 15 microns in the Z axis closed loop scanner. The SPM is equipped with three independent Lock-in amplifiers that can be fully configured through the use of an external Signal Access Box. The equipment can be used with the following modes: Piezoresponse Force Microscopy, Bimodal Atomic Force Microscopy and Dynamic Topography. It also has aClosed Loop capability that significantly improves the positioning in X and Y. Sample size is limited to 3 x 3 cm in the X and Y directions and 1 cm in the Z direction. A Q-Control is also available to enhance images in liquid. It has a separate accessory for measuring humidity and temperature inside SPM box. A separate heater up to 350ºC can be used in this equipment.
SPM4: Nanotech Cervantes (aka Jabba)

Nanotec Cervantes FullMode SPM System is a modular, open and versatile microscope, designed not only for obtaining the highest quality images, but also for those applications that require a characterization of other physical properties of your sample. Currently we use this equipment for topography, and as a separate equipment for nano positioning systems.

Services

We offer a broad range of services, including Topography, PFM, EFM, KPFM, CSAFM, PCAFM and SThM. Send us the Request Form to get a quotation.

Piezoresponse Force Microscopy
Photocurrent Atomic Force Microscopy
Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
Magnetic Force Microscopy
High Voltage PFM polin
3-omega AFM
Current Atomic Force Microscopy

We are open to possible new requests through the EU project NFFA.

Publications

2018

[18] Iglesias, L., Gómez, A., Gich, M., Rivadulla, F., (2018) . Tuning Oxygen Vacancy Diffusion through Strain in SrTiO3 Thin Films. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2018, 10 (41), pp 35367–35373

[17] del Moral, A., González-Rosillo, J. C., Gómez, A., Puig, T., & Obradors, X. (2018). Thermoelectric stack sample cooling modification of a commercial atomic force microscopy. Ultramicroscopy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultramic.2018.10.014

[16] Daniel Suarez, Eden Steven, Elena Laukhina, Andres Gomez, Anna Crespi, Narcis Mestres, Concepció Rovira, Eun Sang Choi & Jaume Veciana (2018) 2D organic molecular metallic soft material derived from BEDO-TTF with electrochromic and rectifying properties. npj Flexible Electronicsvolume 2, Article number: 29 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41528-018-0041-1

[15] Vila-Fungueiriño, J. M., Gómez, A., Antoja-Lleonart, J., Gázquez, J., Magén, C., Noheda, B., & Carretero-Genevrier, A. (2018). Direct and converse piezoelectric responses at the nanoscale from epitaxial BiFeO 3 thin films grown by polymer assisted deposition. Nanoscale. 10.1039/c8nr05737k

[14] Sandoval, S., Kepic, D., Pérez del Pino, A., Gyorgy, E., Gómez, A., Pfannmoeller, M., … & Tobias, G. (2018). Selective Laser-Assisted Synthesis of Tubular van der Waals Heterostructures of Single-Layered PbI2 within Carbon Nanotubes Exhibiting Carrier Photogeneration. ACS nano, 12(7), 6648-6656. 10.1021/acsnano.8b01638

[13] A.Gomez, T.Puig, X.Obradors, Diminish electrostatic in piezoresponse force microscopy through longer or ultra-stiff tips, Applied Surface Science
Volume 439, 1 May 2018, Pages 577-582, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.01.080
2017

[12] A.Gomez, S.Sanchez, Mariano Campoy-Quiles, A.Abate, Topological distribution of reversible and non-reversible degradation in perovskite solar cells, Nano Energy Volume 45, March 2018, Pages 94-100, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.12.040

[11] A. Gomez, M. Gich, A. Carretero-Genevrier, T. Puig, X. Obradors, Piezo-generated charge mapping revealed through direct piezoelectric force microscopy, Nature Communicationsvolume 8, Article number: 1113 (2017) doi:10.1038/s41467-017-01361-2

[10] Alberto Quintana, Andrés Gómez, Maria Dolors Baró, Santiago Suriñach, Eva Pellicer, Jordi Sort, Self-templating faceted and spongy single-crystal ZnO nanorods: Resistive switching and enhanced piezoresponse, In Materials & Design, Volume 133, 2017, Pages 54-61, ISSN 0264-1275, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2017.07.039.

[9] Gómez, A., Vila-Fungueiriño, J. M., Moalla, R., Saint-Girons, G., Gázquez, J., Varela, M., Bachelet, R., Gich, M., Rivadulla, F. and Carretero-Genevrier, A. (2017), Semiconducting Films: Electric and Mechanical Switching of Ferroelectric and Resistive States in Semiconducting BaTiO_3–_δ Films on Silicon (Small 39/2017). Small, 13: n/a. doi:10.1002/smll.201770208
2016

[8] A Carretero‐Genevrier, R Bachelet, G Saint‐Girons, R Moalla, JM Vila‐Fungueiriño, B Rivas‐Murias, F Rivadulla, J Rodriguez‐Carvajal, A Gomez, J Gazquez, M Gich, N Mestres, Ashutosh Tiwari, Rosario A Gerhardt, Magdalena Szutkowska. Development of Epitaxial Oxide Ceramics Nanomaterials Based on Chemical Strategies on Semiconductor Platforms (2016) Advanced Ceramic Materials

[7] David Kiefer, Liyang Yu, Erik Fransson, Andrés Gómez, Daniel Primetzhofer, Aram Amassian, Mariano Campoy-Quiles, Christian Müller (2016). A Solution-Doped Polymer Semiconductor:Insulator Blend for Thermoelectrics Advanced Science

[6] Marta Riba-Moliner, Narcis Avarvari, David. B. Amabilino , Arántzazu González-Campo, and Andrés Gómez* (2016). Distinguishing between Mechanical and Electrostatic Interaction in Single Pass Multi Frequency Electrostatic Force Microscopy Measurements on a Molecular Material. Langmuir, 2016, 32 (51), pp 13593–13599, DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b03390

[5] Marta Riba-Moliner, Andrés Gómez-Rodríguez, David B. Amabilino, Josep Puigmartí-Luis, Arántzazu González-Campo, (2016). Functional supramolecular tetrathiafulvalene-based films with mixed valences states. Polymer
2015

[4] Oliveras-González, C., Di Meo, F., González-Campo, A., Beljonne, D., Norman, P., Simón-Sorbed, M., … & Amabilino, D. B. (2015). Bottom-up hierarchical self-assembly of chiral porphyrins through coordination and hydrogen bonds. Journal of the American Chemical Society.

[3] Bernhard Dörling, Jason D. Ryan, Matthew C. Weisenberger, Andrea Sorrentino, Ahmed El Basati, Andrés Gomez, Miquel Garriga, Eva Pereiro, John E. Anthony, Alejandro R. Goñi, Christian Müller*, Mariano Campoy-Quiles* (2015) Photoinduced p- to n-type switching in thermoelectric polymer-carbon nanotube composites – Advanced Materials 10.1002/adma.201505521

[2] A. Queraltó, A. Pérez del Pino, M. de la Mata, J. Arbiol, M. Tristany, A. Gómez, X. Obradors and T. Puig (2015). Growth of ferroelectric Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 epitaxial films by ultraviolet pulsed laser irradiation of chemical solution derived precursor layers. Applied Physics Letters 106, 262903

[1] Coll, M., Gomez, A., Mas-Marza, E., Almora, O., Garcia-Belmonte, G., Campoy-Quiles, M., & Bisquert, J. (2015). Polarization Switching and Light-Enhanced Piezoelectricity in Lead Halide Perovskites. The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 6(8), 1408-1413.
2013

*Carretero-Genevrier, A., Gich, M., Picas, L., Gazquez, J., Drisko, G. L., Boissiere, C., ... & Sanchez, C. (2013). Soft-chemistry–based routes to epitaxial α-quartz thin films with tunable textures. Science, 340(6134), 827-831. ISO 690

*Carretero-Genevrier, A., Gich, M., Picas, L., Gazquez, J., Drisko, G. L., Boissiere, C., ... & Sanchez, C. (2013). Soft-chemistry–based routes to epitaxial α-quartz thin films with tunable textures. Science, 340(6134), 827-831.
ISO 690

*SCIENTIFIC PAPERS WHERE SPM IMAGES FROM OUR LAB HAVE BEEN INCLUDED

AFM Images Gallery

PFM phase over sample topography

Piezoresponse Phase image over the topography roughness, image acquired at low humidity environment. Sample courtesy of Joan Bisquert
Current Sensing Atomic Force Microscopy

Current image of a Carbon nano tube doped thermoelectric film obtained with a solid platinum tip, sample biased and at low humidity environment. The data can be used to correlate topography image with current image, obtained information on the local current distribution or compare the images with different samples, using histograms from the images. Sample courtesy of Bernhard Dörling
Current Map of a Resistive Switching film

Current Sensing Atomic Force Microscopy image after lithography made in a Resistive Switching film.
Topography image

Constant Amplitude Dynamic Force Microscopy image obtained with SPM1: Keysight 5100 to reveal the topography of a Hydrogel. Sample courtesy of Romen Rodríguez
Bimodal Atomic Force Microscopy

Bimodal phase image of a graphene sample obtained with a FORT tip
Current Sensing Atomic Force Microscopy

Current image of a dopped thermoelectric film obtained with a solid platinum tip, sample biased and at low humidity environment. The data can be used to correlate topography image with current image, obtained information on the local current distribution or compare the images with different samples, using histograms from the images. Sample courtesy of Bernhard Dörling
Electrostatic Force Microscopy curves

Electrostatic Force Microscopy curves obtained in different spots of a sample to compare different conduction areas. The slope of the curve can be used to acquire data that can be correlated to different physical phenomena, in this case to differences in conductivity.
Topography image of a human hair

Topography image acquired by Maite Simon for our outreach activities. The image was acquired in constant amplitude dynamic force microscopy, using the SPM1: Keysight 5100, with a App Nano FORT tip.
Photocurrent Map

Photocurrent map of a Organic Solar Cell developed by Mariano Campoy. The cell was study under different wavelengths. The current production can be analized locally, with an outstanding lateral resolution. The information can then be used to understand the influence of topography, grain boundaries and morphology.
Magnetic Force Microscopy Image

Magnetic force microscopy image obtained through the use of dual-pass dynamic force microscopy, using a magnetic-coated tip. The sample was a conventional 3,5" magnetic floppy drive, that was disassemble to test the method in our equipment.
Photoconductive map

Photoconductive map of a solar cell. The bottom part of the image was acquired in dark conditions, while the upper part was acquired illuminating the sample with white light.
Current Image after lithography

Current image performed after lithography process, different voltages were used to record six squares in a Resistive-switching YbaCO film, deposited into a LAO substrate. The image was acquired with voltage applied to the sample, in a low humidity environment.
Current Image made with Resiscope module

50 microns Current Image of a conductive YBaCO track deposited into a LAO substrate. Logarithmic scale for Z axis, sample bias, low humidity environment. Sample courtesy of Juan Carlos Gonzalez-Rosillo

Request Service

SERVICE REQUEST FORM

We offer a broad range of services, including Topography, PFM, EFM, KPFM, CSAFM, PCAFM and SThM. Send us the Request Form to get a quotation.

Scanning Probe
Microscopy

Address:

ICMAB
Campus UAB, delante de caseta de Bomberos
08193, Bellaterra
Spain

Hits: 3079

Organisation

RESEARCH UNITS

Advanced Structural and Functional Characterization

CMEOS

CRYSTALLOGRAPHY

RESEARCH UNITS

Functional Surfaces and Interfaces

FUNNANOSURF

SURFACES

RESEARCH UNITS

Magnetic Materials and Functional Oxides

MULFOX

ACNM

RESEARCH UNITS

Nanostructured Materials for Optoelectronics and Energy Harvesting

NANOPTO

LASER

RESEARCH UNITS

Smart Molecular Inorganic and Hybrid Materials

LMI

NN

SusMoSys

RESEARCH GROUPS

Solid State Chemistry

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Amparo Fuertes

Nieves Casañ

Concepción Domingo

M. Rosa Palacín

Gerard Tobias

Dino Tonti

Alexander Ponrouch

Ana María López

Postdoctoral Researchers

Deyana Stoytcheva Tchitchekova

Ashley Black

Damien Monti

Juan Forero

Charlotte Bodin

Technicians and Project Managers

Julio Fraile

Antonio Miguel Socías

Roberta Ceravola

Mayte Escobar

RESEARCH LINES

Electrochemistry and electroactive materials

Supercritical Fluids and Functional Materials

Nitride-Based Materials

Inorganic Materials and Electrolytes for Battery Applications

Nanoengineering of Carbon and Inorganic Materials (NanoCIM)

Nanostructured interfaces for electrochemical energy storage

RESEARCH UNITS

Superconducting Materials and Large Scale Nanostructures

Permanent Scientific Researchers

Teresa Puig

Xavier Obradors

Narcís Mestres

Xavier Granados

Anna Palau

Susagna Ricart

Mariona Coll

Joffre Gutiérrez

Postdoctoral Researchers

Cornelia Pop

Albert Queraltó

Kapil Gupta

Roxana Vlad

Elzbieta Pach

Technicians and Project Managers

Mariona García de Palau

Mar Tristany

RESEARCH UNITS

Theory and Simulation

LEEM

SOFTMATTERTHEORY

RESEARCH UNITS

Molecular Nanoscience and Organic Materials

eMolMat

Nanomol-Bio

RESEARCH GROUPS