Project 2. Inorganic, organic and inorganic-organic hybrid (nano)material synthesis: new structures and new physical phenomena
Advances in condensed matter Physics have led to the discovery of new materials with low dimensionality that exhibit new physical fundamental phenomena and functionalities, with applications in solid state devices, production and storage of energy and health sciences, among others. For example, the isolation of graphene in 2004 initiated a vast field of research dedicated to exploring the unique characteristics of two-dimensional (2D) materials. In addition to graphene, a wide range of other materials has been added to the family of 2D materials, such as hexagonal boron nitride (HBN), transition metal dihalide (TMDCs) and transition metal carbides and nitrides. Several techniques have been used to obtain 2D materials, the main ones being the mechanical exfoliation technique and the method of chemical deposition in vapor phase, recently under high pressures. Some consequences are the appearance of new phases and the change of the samples reactivity, data that can be used to obtain materials that are not accessible under ambient conditions. Several new materials were obtained through high pressure experiments. For example, high pressure methods have been an established routine to obtain new superconductors, materials with unseen stoichiometries, unconventional chemical bonds, and electrets. Another example of promising new materials are the perovskites of inorganic-organic hybrid halides that have emerged as materials with excellent semiconductor and light absorption properties. The energy conversion efficiency of small perovskite solar cells soared from 3.8% to 22.1%, approaching that of commercialized rivals. Thus, this is one of the hot topics of science, being the fastest growing photovoltaic technology. In another aspect, solid state physics has been inserted into the health sciences through the crystal engineering that makes intensive use of structural chemistry and (nano)technology formulation to reduce toxicity and improve bioavailability, and to develop new combined therapies. This collaborative project involves highly qualified research groups in the USA, Ireland, China, India and Argentina, focused on the development of new inorganic, organic and inorganic-organic hybrid materials. The combined experience of international partners with the local team will lead to the discovery of new structures and new physical-chemical phenomena.
