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We are happy to announce that our proposal AV-2021024897 has been approved by the Scientific Review Panel from @ALBAsynchrotron to perform measurements at the beam line BL22-CLÆSS. You can find more info about measuring in ALBA Synchrotron, as well as all the technical specifications and equipment. We are happy to announce that our proposal AV-2021035147 has been approved by the Scientific Review Panel from @ALBAsynchrotron to perform measurements at the beam line BL16-NOTOS. You can find more info about measuring in ALBA Synchrotron, as well as all the technical specifications and equipment. We are happy to announce that our proposal AV-2021025023 has been approved by the Scientific Review Panel from @ALBAsynchrotron to perform measurements at the beam line BL11-NCD SWEET. You can find more info about measuring in ALBA Synchrotron, as well as all the technical specifications and equipment.
11/12/2020
Publications
New paper published in Advanced Materials Interfaces
In this work we study the noncovalent functionalization of black phosphorus (BP) with tailor made perylene diimides (PDI). By combining both experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we have designed and fully characterized the organic-inorganic BP-PDI hybrids. The resulting materials depict a denser packing of the PDI molecules on the BP surface, giving rise to an outstanding environmental protection of the BP thanks to the role of the PDI as a passivation layer. This phenomenon leads to an enhancement of both ambient and thermal stabilities in the light of XPS, Raman spectroscopy and TG-MS analysis. Finally, we have studied for the first time field effect transistors (FETs) based on these hybrid materials, leading to an improvement in the electron mobilities thanks to the protecting role of the PDI. In summary, this work points towards the noncovalent functionalization with PDI molecules as a promising approach in the development of stable electronic devices based on 2D-pnictogens. You can find the article here
19/10/2020
New article published in Angewandte Chemie
Quantifying the Covalent Functionalization of Black Phosphorus. In this paper, we propose a straightforward method to quantify the overall functionalization degree of covalently modified 2D black phosphorus. This methodology relies on the use of Raman spectroscopy to correlate the Raman modes originated from the covalent grafting with the quantitatively determined functionalization degree calculated by 31P MAS solid state NMR spectroscopy. Since Raman spectroscopy is one of the most powerful characterization tools in materials chemistry, as evidenced by graphene research, these results will foster the progression in the field of 2D BP research. Especially for the quick evaluation of alternative functionalization protocols the presented correlation method could be of great use to determine the efficiency of the chosen reaction pathway. You can find the article here
15/09/2020
New paper published in Chemical Science.
In this new work we study the low-temperature formation mechanism of NiFe-carbon magnetic supercapacitive nanocomposites prepared using hybrid sebacate intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as precursors with complementary in situ (temperature-dependent) techniques. These in situ studies confirm the early formation of FeNi3 nanoparticles at ca.200–250 °C, preceding the concerted collapse of the starting NiFe-LDH laminar structure over just 50 °C. In addition, the catalytic interactions between the metallic atoms and the organic molecules form a graphitic carbon matrix leading to the formation of the final FeNi3-carbon nanocomposite. This report provides fundamental insights into the catalytic formation of carbon-based nanocomposites using LDHs as precursors, allowing better tuning of their final properties, with special interest in the field of energy storage and conversion. You can find the article here
22/05/2020
Unveiling the oxidation behavior of liquid-phase exfoliated antimony nanosheets
New paper published in 2D Materials focused on the oxidation procedure of liquid-phase exfoliated antimony nanosheets. Under ambient conditions, antimonene exhibits a high thermodynamic stability as well as good structural integrity even though some theoretical calculations predict a high oxidation tendency of antimonene. However, it still remains poorly investigated from the experimental point of view. In this work, we study the oxidation behavior of antimonene nanosheets prepared by ultrasonication-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation. Using a set of forefront analytical techniques, a clear effect of sonication time on the surface chemistry is found. A dynamic oxidation behavior has been observed, which upon annealing at moderate temperature (210 °C) resulted in a semiconducting behavior with a bandgap of ca. 1 eV measured by ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy. This study yields valuable information for future applications of antimonene and paves the way towards novel modification approaches in order to tailor its properties and complement its limitations. You can find the article here
19/02/2020
Fundamental Insights into the Covalent Silane Functionalization of NiFe-Layered Double Hydroxides
New paper published in Chemistry – A European Journal. We are glad to announce that the article was considered by the referees with the label of great significance, with only less than 20 % of the manuscripts being awarded with such distinction. In this work, we carry out the covalent functionalization of a NiFe-LDH using APTES molecules using a topochemical approach followed by the anion exchange reaction of a surfactant molecules prior to the grafting with the APTES molecules. The functionalized NiFe–APTES was fully characterized using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry, 29Si solid state nuclear magnetic resonance or Mössbauer spectroscopy, among others. Moreover, the anion exchange capability for the NiFe–APTES was tested employing Cr(VI), resulting in an increase of 200 % of the anion retention. This report allows a new level in the tunability of LDHs opening the door to the synthesis of new hybrid materials and architectures. You can find the article here
17/02/2020
Boosting the supercapacitive behavior of CoAl-layered double hydroxides via tuning the metal composition and interlayer space
New paper published in Batteries & Supercaps. In this work, we study the effect of the interlayer space in the resulting supercapacitive performance of a family of CoAl-LDHs with different M(II)/M(III) ratio. In this context, two?dimensional (2D) CoAl-LDHs were synthesized through anion exchange reactions using surfactant molecules to increase the interlayer space from 7.5 to 32.0 Å. Co:Al ratios of 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1 were explored observing an enhancement of the specific capacitance after the increase in the basal space. This increment mainly occurs because of the increase in the electrochemical surface area (up to ca. 260 %) and the higher electrolyte diffusion. Interestingly, best performance is achieved for the lowest Co:Al ratio (i. e. the highest Al content) revealing the important role of the electrochemically inert Al in the structure.

You can find the article here
05/02/2020
[Book Chapter] Layered double hydroxide nanocomposites based on carbon nanoforms
Take a look at our most recent contribution to an Elsevier book focused on Layered Double Hydroxide Polymer Nanocomposites. In our book chapter entitled Layered double hydroxide nanocomposites based on carbon nanoforms, we thoroughly review all literature on this topic so far. Furthermore, we add our most recent findings in the synthesis of hybrids between a wide variety of carbon nanoforms and the most promising LDHs. Find the book here
07/01/2020
Team
New Master student joins the 2DChem family
Pau Congost i Escoin (Castelló, Spain), graduated in Biochemistry and Biomedical sciences at Universitat de València (UV), joins the 2D-Chem team as a new master student of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the ICMol. By joining our team, he will combine his expertise in molecular and cell biology towards a better understanding of how 2D pnictogens interact with living organisms.
19/10/2020
New Master student joins the 2DChem family
Gulusum Babayeva (Azerbaijan) graduated in Chemistry at Baku State University, joins the 2DChem team. Gulusum worked as a teacher in Chemistry, Maths and Physics for almost 2 years. She is now involved in the Master of Molecular Nanoscience at FAU (Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg) and working as a Hiwi at the ZMP (Institute of Advanced Materials and Processes).
22/05/2020
New Master student joins the 2DChem family
Mercy arteaga, graduated in Chemical Engineering from the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo-Ecuador, joins the 2DChem team as a new master student in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. She will use her knowledge as engineer combined with the chemical expertise of our group towards the development of scalable synthesis of LDHs for food packaging applications.
22/05/2020
Nueva incorporación al grupo
Camilo Jaramillo, graduated in Chemical Engineering from the University of Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, joins the 2DChem team as a new master student in Chemistry. He will use his knowledge as engineer combined with the chemical expertise of our group towards the development of scalable synthesis of LDHs for energy applications.
19/02/2020
New Master student joins the 2DChem family
Marta Vegas, graduated in Health Engineering and specialized in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Sevilla, joins the 2DChem team as a new master in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology student. She will combine her knowledge on health sciences with the synthesis of novel nanomaterials carried out in our group towards the development of new systems for cancer therapy
07/01/2020