Study of the environmental behavior of agrochemicals (pesticides, plant growth regulators, allelopathic compounds, plant signaling products or plants hormones, etc.) and other compounds that can reach the soil as a consequence of human activities (pharmaceutical or veterinary drugs, industrial contaminants, urban contaminants, etc.). Also, this group develops strategies based on the use of sorbents (organic residues, biochar, and modified clays) to increase the efficacy of those agrochemicals and to minimize the environmental impact on the agroecosystem.

Chemical characterization and valorization of plant biomass and utilization of biotechnological tools to improve its uses (i.e. for the production of cellulose, lignin, bio-fuels, lipids and chemicals). Our investigations fit with the following priorities of the new Framework Programme of the European Union, Horizon 2020: I.2. Priority Excellent Science: Development of Future and Emerging Technologies. II.4. Priority Competitive Industries: Biotechnology III.3. Priority Better Society: Reliable, Clean, Efficient Energy III.5.

We study and exploit genes involved in the regulation of longevity and tolerance to severe abiotic stress of seeds, seedlings, and plant vegetative tissues.

Design and synthesis of mono- and multifunctional catalysts with well defined, homogeneous active sites. Characterization by means of spectroscopic techniques combined with the use of probe molecules. Study of their reactivity in chemical processes, defined by a single step or by several steps (cascade reactions).

Catalysts and redox catalytic process. Solid acid and superacid catalysts

Development of advanced multifunctional catalysts for the production of low-carbon fuels and chemicals from renewable feedstocks such as captured CO2 and bio-syngas.

Development, advanced characterization and theoretical studies of new porous materials for their employ in separation and adsorption processes of industrial or environmental interest and catalytic processes for removal of contaminants. Recentrly, we have launched a new research line focusses on the development of new materials with biocide and antifungical properties for fruits.

The group's activities include fundamental study of functional materials and devices, as well as design, development of devices and processes with a clear industrial orientation. The main areas of work are: 1. Development of fuel cells and electrolysers, typically for operation above 250 º C. 2. Catalytic conversion for energy processes, including the synthesis or electrosynthesis of different fuels and intermediate reactions as water gas shift in a wide range of temperatures. 3.

Multidisciplinary group in the ITQ. All members have a high background in Material Science, Chemistry and Biomedicine.

Multidisciplinary team with wide scientific experience and complementary capacities to carry out basic and applied research in the study of the health benefits of plant bioactive compounds.