Research
Materials for Energy
We are interested in synthesizing, characterizing, and evaluating new materials for producing solar fuels capable of operating in high-temperature thermochemical cycles. Specifically, we are interested in exploring the following aspects:
Implement new synthetic routes through innovative methodologies such as microwave-assisted synthesis, combustion, or sol-gel methods. We also have the opportunity to carry out material syntheses using solar concentrators.
Physicochemical characterization of materials by techniques such as total reflectance X-ray fluorescence (TXRF), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared transmission spectroscopy (FTIR), and electrochemical methods. We also seek the characterization of materials by techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X (XPS), and surface area estimation by the BET method, among others, thanks to our research collaboration network.
Performance evaluation of the synthesized materials within systems of interest, such as photoreactors, solar concentrators, and electrochemical cells.
Green & Sustainable Chemistry
We seek to apply as many green chemistry principles in our research projects as possible to ensure that the materials and processes we propose exhibit minimal or null environmental impact. Among the aspects we study are:
Preparation of green catalysts for photo/electrochemical processes, with potential application in environmentally benign systems such as glycerol photoreforming or fuel cells.
Incorporation of renewable feedstocks and regional agro-industrial waste into our synthetic routes.
Development and application of green analytical methods to ease real-time analysis for pollution prevention and monitoring.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) to validate our materials and processes' sustainability and environmental impact.
Search for new educational strategies and laboratory experiences to improve teaching practice of green & sustainable chemistry.
Electrochemical Systems
We are interested in developing and evaluating different electrochemical processes, with special attention to energy generation and storage systems. Among the main aspects that we seek to study, we have:
Kinetic studies of electrochemical processes related to hydrogen production, carbon dioxide electroreduction and urea electrosynthesis.
Characterization of electrocatalysts for methanol fuel cells and water electrolysis in an alkaline medium.
Characterization and evaluation of bioelectrochemical systems: microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) and microbial fuel cells (MFC).
Use of 3D printing and manufacturing of robust electrochemical reactors.
Electrochemical engineering and hydrodynamic characterization of small and medium scale electrochemical devices.
Evaluation and measurement of corrosion and electropolishing processes of steels.
Electrochemical characterization of solar cells (Silicon, DSSC).
Assembly and characterization of carbon based supercapacitors.
Sustainable Energy Processes
We are particularly interested in designing, simulating, and evaluating processes and technologies to generate sustainable proposals, mainly for large-scale energy generation. Among the main points that we seek to encompass, we have:
Study of sulfur family cycles cycle for hydrogen production.
Process simulation by Aspen Plus, to complement LCA studies.
Evaluation of ammonium sulfite photo-oxidation in compound parabolic concentrators (CPC) for hydrogen production.
Evaluation of biofuels production systems by regional agroindustrial waste.
Statistical analysis as a tool for process optimization and evaluation of effects.
Ubiquitous Pollutants
We are aiming to implement some green analytical methods of analysis. In particular, we are interested in arsenic, microplastics, and pesticides. Among the instruments and areas of interest are:
Vibrational spectroscopy techniques as non-destructive methods with the capability to develop chemometric analysis.
Total reflectance X-ray fluorescence for multi-elemental determination of heavy metals in complex matrixes with minimum sample preparation.
Electroanalysis for detecting and quantifying diverse analytes of interest (i.e., arsenic, glyphosate, etc) in miniaturized devices.
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) as a tool for microplastic assessment
Spectroelectrochemistry studies to monitor the degradation of pollutants.
Forensics & Criminalistics
We have recently ventured into this area to naturally integrate the emphasis of our majors that require an internship. We are interested in developing undergraduate research projects to establish a solid research area for our lab, which so far is focused on studying over-the-counter medication, fentanyl, and gunshot residues by:
Using SERS as a rapid and sensible tool for drug or metabolite quantification.
Performing DFT calculations and inelastic neutron scattering to assign molecular vibrations of controlled drugs fully.
Developing electrochemical sensors selective for molecules of interest.
Building up spectral databases (FTIR, Raman, or TXRF) for controlled substances or potential evidence in crime scenes, such as gunshot residues.
