Solid State

Solid State is an interdisciplinary group aiming at develop new functional and nanostructured materials with potential applications in emerging scientific and technological research areas, such sensors, electronics and optoelectronics, new alternative energy sources, health, environment, and nuclear technologies. To meet these goals the group take advantage of innovative synthesis methods, chemical design, high temperature synthesis, crystal growth, and physical characterization techniques under extreme conditions of low temperature and high magnetic fields.

Objectives

Molecular materials for molecular electronics: Single component molecular conductors based on thiophenedithiolene derivatives and bilayer 2D (CNB-EDT-TTF ) molecular conductors.
Molecular materials for next-generation batteries: Tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFs) as cathodes in organic electroactive materials.
New optical, magnetic and electrical sensors: Switching molecular iron(III) compounds and chemiresistive dithiolates based on electrically conductive metal−organic frameworks (MOFs).
New materials for quantum computing and spintronics: Transition metals and f-elements single molecule magnets, MOFs, multiferroics, and novel 2D inorganic-based Van der Walls systems.
Development and magnetic characterization of new materials for biomedical applications: Biomolecules based in MOFs, and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs).
Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopy characterization applied to natural and synthetic materials: Advanced functional materials for catalysis, photoluminescence, energy storage systems, and photomagnetism; Mineralogical characterization of soil samples to assess metal bioavailability and toxicity, effects in the food chain; Fe speciation in mine tailings, study of mineral resources and disruption of biogeochemical cycles. Development of novel and environmentally friendly strategic metals extraction processes;
Nuclear Materials for Peaceful Applications: Study and production of uranium (nano)carbides for spallation targets.
Strongly correlated electron systems towards topological magnets, heavy fermions, superconductors, and non-fermi liquids based on f-elements based intermetallics.
New technologies for energy efficiency, sustainability and space exploration: New, cheaper and environmentally friendly thermoelectric materials based on nanostructured composites.
Multiple national and international collaborations with prominent research groups across Europe and in Portugal, including other C2TN groups for within the framework of scientific projects and academic activities.