Research Group on Condensed Matter and Polymers

Description

The research activity of the group is currently focused on the development of these projects: MAT2012-33483 (IP Andrés Cantarero, CSD2010-0044 (Coordinator Clivia Sotomayor, from the ICN) and the ITN Nanowiring (Coordinator Angela Rizzi, from the University of Göttingen, Germany).

Within the framework of these projects, we study the applications of semiconductor nanowires in the fields of energy and photonics. The studies range from the fundamental level, through the study of their structural, electronic and optoelectronic properties, to their application in thermoelectric or optoelectronic (in particular solar cells) devices or in integrated photonics.

The theoretical support is oriented towards the development of semi-empirical methods for the design and modelling of semiconductor nanostructures. A wide variety of techniques have been implemented to exploit existing experimental results and those obtained by first-principles techniques. Semi-empirical methods facilitate the synergy between theory and experiment. These methods also allow the design of electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Synthesis and characterisation of conductive, thermostable and thermoplastic polymers.

Goals CT

Thermoelectric devices; integrated photonic devices; semi-empirical multi-scale methods for the study of nanostructures, ab initio methods.

Research lines

Acoustic modulation of nanostructures
By means of surface acoustic waves we dynamically control: 1) the optoelectronic properties of semiconductor nanostructures such as nanowires or quantum dots, for single photon emitters and 2) integrated photonics structures, for the realisation of tunable devices.
Structural, optical and electronic properties by first-principles methods
Obtaining physical properties by means of first-principles models. Optical, magnetic, electronic properties.
Theory and modelling of semiconductor nanostructures
The goal is to develop multiscale semiempirical methods for semiconductor nanostructure design and modelling. It is our guideline to show that proper implementations of empirical methods are capable of delivering new levels of understanding and design for both materials and devices alike.
Synthesis and characterisation of polymers
Synthesis of different types of polymers (conductive, thermoplastic and thermosetting) from the corresponding monomers. Characterisation of the thermal, mechanical, rheological, spectroscopic and conductive properties of these polymers.
Thermo-electric devices
Study of materials for the manufacture of thermoelectric devices, based on semiconductor nanostructures (nanowires), polymers and hybrid materials. Measurement of thermoelectric properties, such as the Seebeck effect, electrical and thermal conductivity, and thermoelectric efficiency.

Management