RESEARCH
1. – Thin Films and Coating Technology
Fabrication of thin films and coatings by Magnetron Sputtering deposition using helium and other light gases. Fundamental studies and new developments for the fabrication technology of solid-gas nanocomposite films: i) Basic principles ii) growth mechanisms iii) optical and mechanical properties iv) catalytic activity v) spectroscopic studies vi) individualized design for the fabrication of solid-gas films for their use in Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics experiments
Highlights:
- First Measurement of a Weak 𝑟 -Process Reaction on a Radioactive Nucleus
- Microstructural characterization and thermal stability of He charged amorphous silicon films prepared by magnetron sputtering in helium
- On the formation of the porous structure in nanostructured a-Si coatings deposited by dc magnetron sputtering at oblique angles
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2. – Materials and Catalysts for Hydrogen Technology Development of materials and catalysts for hydrogen storage, generation and use. Design of reactors, supports and catalytsts for i) hydrogen release reactions from liquid and solid carriers ii) hydrogen use for heat generation and safety applications through the catalytic combustion of hydrogen iii) the synthesis of liquid hydrogen carriers from biomass-derived small molecules iv) the production of solar hydrogen. Highlights:
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3. – Nanoscopies and Spectroscopies
Microstructural and chemical characterization: Nanoscopies and spectroscopies. Mainly using advanced electron microscopy facilities, in conjunction with other techniques such as XPS spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction. The overall objective is the rational development of nanostructured coatings and catalysts based on the correlation and integration between the microstructural and chemical characterization at the nano-scale and the properties of interest in the developed materials.
Highlights: