Dr. Rodriguez ‘s group focused on the development of electrochemical technologies based on sustainable energy sources, the design of new functional nanomaterials and the molecular-level understanding of electrochemical reactions in well-defined surfaces.

Synthesis of Nanomaterials

Our research focuses on exploiting the cathodic corrosion method. This novel method is simple, efficient, robust, and cheap. It prepares clean nanoparticles of well-controlled composition and, for the reasons highlighted in bold below, it presents a significant improvement over existing methods for synthesis of nanomaterials.

The cathodic corrosion method allows for the unique control of the size distribution, shape and chemical composition of the nanoparticles. Other benefits of the method include the suitability for scale-up for industrial applications, the avoidance of large investments in large volumes of organic solvents, heating/cleaning treatment, and incurred safety and disposal issues.

We also implement wet-chemistry methods as sol-gel, micro-emulsion, solvothermal and colloidal methods for the preparation of metal, metal oxides, metal carbides, metal nitrides and metal sulfides nanomaterials with well-defined surface structure, size and composition.

Fundamental Electrocatalysis

We perform cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research to address problems of electrochemical interest, from fundamental studies of fuel cell systems to environmental remediation. In our group, we explore the integration of standard electrochemical techniques into a variety of spectroscopic techniques (UV-vis, IR, Raman), diffraction methods and mass spectroscopy (OLEMS). The development of these techniques helps us to provide a robust understanding of the interfacial structure and composition of the electrochemical interface and, therefore, to enable breakthroughs in the development of electrochemical technologies.

CO2 Conversion and synthesis of Ammonia

PEM Fuel cell and water Electrolysis

Water Remediation

Nanosensor and bioapplications

Ampere group aims to develop novel strategies for selectively and efficiently reducing the concentrations of metal -based drugs in blood following chemotherapy in order to minimize the unwanted secondary effects triggered by chemotherapy drugs.

In the group we also develop surface-modified multiplexing electrodes to determine bacteria toxins in fluids.

Electrochemical recycling of precious metals from electronic waste

Ampere group aims to develop novel electrochemical methods for the selectively and efficiently recovery of metals from electronics in order to minimize the electronic waste and unwanted metal pollution.

Research Facilities

Our laboratory is well-equipped with electrochemical and characterisation instrumentation that includes modern potentiostats, featuring electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, low current range and current boosters. We have rotating disk electrodes setups, solar simulators, cathodic corrosion system, wet-chemistry facilities, Milli-Q water and one home-built OLEMS.

We have access to NMR, HPLC, GC, electron microscopy, XRD/XRF, ICP-MS facilities.

We are users of synchrotron facilities where we study the electrochemical process at the interphase using in situ cells

On-Line Electrochemical Mass Spectrometer (OLEMS)

Cathodic corrosion

UV-Vis Lamp and cell for photoelectrocatalysis

Collaborations

Our research is enriched by strategic collaborations with world-class leaders. These collaborations help us to address multidisciplinary aspects and to produce high impact outcomes