The Surface Chemistry of Metal Fluoride Nanocrystals

Date: Wednesday, 31 October 2018 Time: 11 am Venue: Sala de Graus, Facultat de Ciències, UAB

Abstract: This thesis is mainly based on the understanding the synthesis and the final behaviour of the surface of LnF₃ nanocrystals. In consequence, this knowledge will allow the control and manipulation of the bridge between synthesis and applications, currently called surface chemistry. Starting from the successful synthesis of fifteen different types of inorganic nanocrystals, the general trends of metal fluoride nanocrystals is successfully unravelled. A new kind of ionic self-assembly in colloidal systems is postulated and  thermodynamically stable patchy nanocrystals also obtained. Using experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulations, a self assembly mechanism also applicable to other kind of systems is postulated and we demonstrate that the different facets of the patchy nanoparticles can be modified selectively. Supervisors:

• Dr. Susagna Ricart, ICMAB
• Dr. Ramon Yañez, UAB
• Dr. Jordi Faraudo, ICMAB

PhD Committee:

• President: Dr. Daniel Maspoch, ICREA Research Professor, Supramolecular NanoChemistry & Materials Group, ICN2
• Secretary: Dr. Anna Llordes, Solid Electrolyte Groups, Asociate Researcher (Ikerbasque Fellow) CIC Energigune, Basque Country, Spain 
• Vocal: Prof. Maria Ibañez, Assistant Professor, Functional Nanomaterials, Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria

Dr. Bernat Mundet defended his PhD thesis on “Atomic-scale characterization of structural distortions in perovskite oxide thin films”Monday, 9 October 2018, with great success, surrounded by his friends, family and colleagues! Congratulations!

Title: Atomic-scale characterization of structural distortions in perovskite oxide thin films

Date: Monday, 8 October 2018 Time: 4:30 pm Venue: Sala d’Actes Carles Miravitlles, ICMAB Abstract: In this thesis, we investigate the structural distortions appearing in three different kind of perovskite oxides that are fabricated as thin films following a chemical solution deposition process.  In the first case, we study how the YBCO lattice is distorted around its most common defect, this is the Y124 intergrowth. Secondly, we investigate which structural mechanisms help to accommodate the strain generated by the substrate mismatch in nickelate thin films. Finally, we study how the spatial confinement influences both the physical and structural properties of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/SrTiO3 heterostructures. Supervisor:

• Jaume Gázquez, Superconducting Materials and Large Scale Nanostructures (ICMAB)

PhD Committee: 

• President: Francesca Peiró (UB)
• Secretary: Felip Sandiumenge (ICMAB)
• Vocal: César Magén (Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón (ICMA))