Synthesis, characterization and development of materials for advanced uses for energy production and storage, biomedicine, environment, etc. Functional ceramic materials with energy, photoluminescent and photocatalytic applications are synthesized and characterized chemically. The objective is the development of new ceramic materials with different compositions and morphologies to improve their properties. On the one hand, new carbon-based materials (oxycarbides/graphene) capable of storing electrical energy at room temperature (supercapacitors).

The Group focuses on the development of technical ceramics for applications under demanding operating conditions (mechanical loads, extreme temperatures, corrosive atmospheres or wear conditions), which are common in transport, energy and catalysis fields. This research involves ceramic matrix composites (CMC) and complex 3D structures based on ceramics and carbonaceous materials obtained by direct ink printing. In the case of CMC, the main objective is to enhance the mechanical properties, in particular toughness, while achieving new electrical and thermal functionalities.

The Ceramics for Smart Systems Group, CSS, belong to the Department of Electroceramics at the Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, CSIC. The working group is composed of 2 staff researchers, 7 hired researchers and 2 PhD Students. The group is founded in an extended experience in microstructure control and its relationship with the ceramic material properties.

The interest of the research team is focused on the synthesis and processing and of electroceramic materials of diverse nature (ferroelectrics, piezoelectrics, isolators, dielectrics, semiconductors, multiferroics, catalysts, photoluminescent, etc) as well as on the development of functionalized traditional ceramics whose properties come from complex micro and nanostructures, specifically designed to obtain not just an improved response but also a highly integrating material.

Synthesis of nanoparticles with different techniques, like precipitation, combustion, sol-gel, hydrothermal, microwaves. Study of colloidal stability and rheology of suspensions. Manufacture of monolithic and laminar ceramics and composites by slurry processing techniques as slip casting, tape casting, low pressure injection molding, gelcasting, electrophoretic deposition, dipping, spinning. Design of porous materials. This group is one of the most reknown in Europe in the field of colloidal processing, with a large trajectory in the optimization and characterization of suspensions.

Synthesis and characterisation of electroactive materials and components for applications in energy, environment and biomedicine, including: Design, synthesis, preparation and characterisation of materials for electrodes and electrolytes for PEMFC (proton exchange membrane fuel cells), AEMFC (alkaline anion exchange membrane fuel cells) , SOFC (solid oxide fuel cells) y PCFC (protonic ceramic fuel cells) as well as ceramic gas-separation membranes and oxide-based electorlysers (SOEC, solid oxide electrolyser cells and PCEC, protonic ceramic electrolyser cells). Design and processing of compone

The objective of the GlaSS group is the design, processing and characterisation of glasses, glass-ceramics and sol-gel materials, from the structural features to properties (optical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical, etc) and applications. The research is organised in two sub-lines. .

The research activities of the group are fundamentally supported on the Theoretical and Experimental Study of Phase Equilibrium Diagrams, research area of basic interest in which the group is a pioneer in our country. The main activity is dedicated to increase the basic knowledge in the thermodynamics, synthesis, processing, properties and service performance of ceramic materials. The international relevance of the group is illustrated by its continuous involvement in the Framework Programs of the European Union which demands scientific and technological excellence from the participants.

The Group use the Chemical-Physic of surfaces and colloids to achieve the synthesis and processing of ceramic and metallic materials, as well as composites with ceramic dispersed phases. By the control of the surface reactions of particles in a liquid there are developed forces and interactions between particles themselves and with the dispersion media. The surface additives and synthesis modifiers are studied to control the nanoparticles dispersion into the reaction media (one-pot processes).

The main lines of research presently pursued by the Chemistry of Cement Group can be summarised as follows. Portland cement: concrete admixtures; alkaline cements and concretes (development of new binders); durability studies on portland and alkaline cements; conservation of the historic and cultural heritage (mechanisms and effects of decay, conservation products). The group’s engagement in competitive research projects and its close ties to the industry enable it to undertake industrial developments, conduct pilot tests and transfer knowledge to the private sector.