We expect our research, conceived as interdisciplinary, coordinated, and synergic work, will contribute to exploring the potential applications of materials modified at the nanoscale and help to understand the interaction of nanomaterials with biological systems and develop novel nanotechnological solutions to solve industrial issues.
Exotic electronic states of low-dimensional materials
Low-dimensional materials refer to those systems in which the electronic state wave function is confined (generally in the range from 1 nm to 100 nm). In these materials, spatial constraints give rise to quantum size effects that can significantly alter their electronic properties and profoundly modify their behavior compared to their bulk counterparts. Those systems have shown a bunch of intriguing phenomena and exotic electronic, optical, thermal, and chemical properties.
In particular, we explore the synthesis and characterization of the local electronic structure of two-dimensional and topological materials, such as graphene, nanostructured topological insulators, chalcogenides, and dichalcogenides.
We found unique electronic signatures in Bi2Te3 topological insulator nanostructures, such as phase separation of Dirac electrons and the evolution from heavily n-type to lightly n-type surface doping as the spatial limit is approached (Nano Letters 17, 97, 2017; J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 9(5), 954, 2018).
We work on the synthesis of topological Weyl semimetals and the characterization of their intriguing local electronic properties, which are essential for both fundamental interest in new quantum phenomena and potential applications in a new generation of electronic devices.
Nanostructured coatings for microbial corrosion passivation and antifouling applications.
Corrosion of materials can be induced, facilitated, or increased by the presence of biofilms, leading to a complex form of environmentally-assisted corrosion known as microbial corrosion. With a multidisciplinary team from UTFSM, we are pursuing a novel approach to passivate microbial corrosion of metallic materials using highly impermeable nanostructured coatings, such as graphene and boron nitride. This framework is based in the fact that all critical processes involved in this phenomenon occur within the nanoscale/microscale dimensions.
Biofilm extraction in water transportation pipes in Minera Los Pelambres facilities (Salamanca, Chile). Metagenomics sequencing allowed the identification of bacterial species responsible for microbial corrosion inside the heterogeneous biofilm community.
At our monitoring station installed in the breakwater of Valparaíso Port, thanks to collaboration with the Chilean Navy, antibiocorrosive and antifouling performance of nanoscale modified materials in the marine environment is studied.
High efficiency nanostructured electrodes for microbial fuel cells and mining applications.
The performance of cells (whether microbial fuel cells or electro-winning cells) depends on the electrochemical properties of the anode material. We study nanoscale improvements in electrode structure for microbial and electrochemical cells that translate into better cell efficiency.
In the case of microbial fuel cells, which exploit the metabolism of bacteria in order to generate electricity, biofilm formation is required, leading to a different approach that looks for biocompatible nanostructured electrodes with high conductivity.
One of the key challenges the mining industry faces is increasing energy efficiency in its production processes. Our nanostructured materials for Cu electrowinning applications have demonstrated to substantial decrease in energy consumption
Control of biofilm formation by material surface modification at the nanoscale
Microbial corrosion of concrete and metals is caused by biofilms. Among the engineered applications of nanomaterials studied in our group, we explore the development of bulk and surface materials (ceramic, cementitious, polymeric, and metallic) modified at the nanoscale to control aspects relevant to biofilm formation and, therefore, to microbial corrosion. Among these features, we found nanoscale tuning of surface energy, electrostatic interactions, surface roughness, and functionalization.
Graphene and h-BN coatings can substantially reduce biofilm formation on glass and polymer surfaces. Change in physico-chemical surface properties when introducing nanomaterials leads to modification of the interaction between bacteria and materials
Nanoscale-modified metallic alloys and foams with improved mechanical and anti-biocorrosion performance.
Corrosion in biological fluids, known as biocorrosion, affects medical devices and implants, reducing their lifespan and causing deterioration of patient condition. Our work aims to develop biocompatible nanoscale-modified metallic alloys and foams that present an improved anti-biocorrosion and mechanical performance.
Ti- and Cu-based foams with nanostructured additives have been designed and developed in order to improve their performance under biocorrosion conditions
Concrete resistant to microbial corrosion
Biogenic corrosion of reinforced concrete sewer pipes is a global problem costing billions of dollars annually. This phenomenon is caused by the diverse metabolic activities of biofilms, which lead to specific interactions and chemical reactions with the concrete matrix, dissolving the calcium paste and causing biodeterioration. One of our research lines is focused on developing cement with nanostructured additives that improved concrete performance under this aggressive scenario.
Different types of nanomaterials have been incorporated into cement paste to improve its resistance to microbiologically influenced corrosion in anaerobic conditions
Nanostructured Lithium Batteries
A new generation of lithium batteries based on nanostructured electrodes is expected to maximize their electrochemical performance. In this line, we have been working on developing novel composites with controlled architecture based on MoS2 and nanomaterials, where a synergetic effect is expected. We address the fundamental problems of electrode chemical and mechanical instabilities that have slowed the development of affordable, high-performance batteries.
Our goal is to develop and study new advanced materials based on MoS2 and nanomaterials for lithium-ion battery electrodes.