Mineralogy, geochemistry and meteorites


The group studies minerals of environmental and biogenic origin, historical specimens and meteorites with MNCN techniques (ESEM-EDS-WDS-BS-CL; CLSM; Raman-PL; XRD; XRF, DTA-TG, PSD; AA; MO; SM , G, IR, CT-Scan). Analytical routines and patterns are developed for the study of Raman spectra and luminescence techniques. We study speciation and geochemical transformations of metals in natural and antropogenic environments. We focus on the study of sorption reactions and the formation of new minerals that result in the natural or assisted attenuation of contaminant in soils and sediments. We use models to describe sorption and transport of toxic elements, chemical extraction methods and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy to study the molecular-scale retention phenomena and speciation of metals and metalloids in the environment. The structures of minerals in selected specimens are studied at the local scale by means of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) at high magnetic fields.

Main specialization

Área de investigación:
Disciplina ERC:
  • PE - DOMAIN PHYSICAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
  • PE4 Physical and Analytical Chemical Sciences
Industrial Leadership:
  • 3. Advanced materials
  • 3.7. Optimization of the use of materials
Societal Challenges:
  • 5. Climate action, resource efficiency and raw materials
  • 5.1. Fighting and adapting to climate change