At the Laboratory of Nanoparticles we prepare, characterize, and study the properties of nanoparticles in a wide range of technological applications. We carry out the design and synthesis of nanoparticles from conventional precursors, organometallics, core-shell structures, plasma, etc., among others. The characterization of nanoparticles includes transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), surface microscopy (AFM), IR spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). At the CRnE we have an ultra high vaccuum XPS system coupled in situ to several chambers for samples preparation, chemical reactions under temperature and pressure, mass spectrometry, and AFM and STM microscopy that allow an exhaustive characterization at the atomic scale. At the Laboratory we also study the deposition and dispersion of nanoparticles onto solid substrates (crystals, flat surfaces, inorganic oxides with high surface area, ceramic and metallic materials, etc.). The technological applications of nanoparticles that we study span from the study of their chemical reactivity and use as a catalysts to their application in photoactive and structural materials.

Current research projects

• Nanoparticle-based catalysts for industrial chemical reactions
• Nanoparticles for the catalytic obtention and purification of hydrogen in fuel cells
• Preparation of nanolayers
• Modeling of nanoparticles and nanotubes in structures

Group leaders

Jordi Llorca, Ignasi Casanova

Contact

jordi.llorcaupc.edu, ignasi.casanovaupc.edu