Development of new components (electrodes and electrolytes) for energy conversion and storage electrochemical devices: electrochemical capacitors, rechargeable batteries and proton exchange membrane fuel cells

The core research activity of our Group centers on the molecular and multifunctional design of new nanostructured polymer materials and nanohybrids with prop./applic.

Heterogeneous materials based on organic polymers: Polymer Blends; Composites; Interfacial Agents coming from the chemical modification of polymers; Solid Waste treatments and Polymer Recycling.

Synthesis and characterization of structured functional materials developed from well-defined polymers obtained by conventional polymerization / controlled and/or physical/chemical modification. Preparation of multifunctional biobased and/or biodegradable systems. Polymeric materials with antimicrobial activity.

The group research has recently focused on incorporating mesoporous silica in the multicomponent systems. Purpose for this inclusion is diverse: catalytic support, gas capturer, nucleating agent, mechanical reinforcement and to induce confinement of macrochains in its mesostructure.

Synthesis and preparation of heterogeneous polymer based systems (multiphasic) and organo-inorganic hybrids: material design includes the tayloring of surfaces and interfaces. Superomniphobic surfaces: superhydrophobicity and superaoleophobicity. Superslippery surfaces Ionic and molecular transport Thermoplastic Electrolytesfor bateries, in particular Li (ion and metal) and Al More details in http://hempol.ictp.csic.es/, the web page of Grupo HEMPOL since 2013

Preparation and design of biomaterials in the biomedical field. Particularly, the Group activities are devoted to the design and preparation of polymeric biomaterials for tissue engineering applications, systems for the controlled release of bioactive compounds and drugs and synthesis polymeric drugs.

The research activities of the group address a notably broad range of challenging topics of scientific and technological nature in the field of combustion, by means of theoretical, numerical and experimental methods.

Unsteady free surface flow simulation, design and management of irrigation systems, pressurized flow networks. Application of simulation models to irrigation systems (both pressurized and inundation). Application to river flows (Flood waves on irregular geometry). Application of simulation transport models to environmental problems. Application of simulation models in surface and subsurface Hydrology. Computer time acceleration. Tool integration for the design and management of irrigation networks. Development of professional software in Windows.

STUDY OF THE MECHANISMS THAT CONTROL CELL PLASTICITY AND MOVEMENTS DURING EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT AND IN ADULT PATHOLOGIES. The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) endows cells with migratory and invasive properties and is crucial during embryonic development, as the majority of adult tissues are the result of at least one round of EMT and the reverse process (MET). We found the first transcription factor able to induce EMT in embryos (Science, 1994) and its connection with cancer (Nat Cell Biol, 2000), and achondroplasia (Dev Cell, 1997).