I am a Senior Scientist at the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid (ICMM-CSIC), where I have been working since 2002. Throughout my scientific career, I have been dedicated to surface science from both fundamental and technological perspectives.
I obtained my PhD in Physics from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in 1993. My doctoral research was performed in Berlin, at the Freie Universität and the BESSY synchrotron radiation facility, under the supervision of Prof. G. Kaindl. In 1994, I carried out a postdoctoral stay at the LURE synchrotron radiation laboratory in Paris in the group of Prof. Alain Fontaine. This early research focused on the electronic properties of transition metals and rare-earth compounds within a fundamental surface science framework.
Subsequently, I joined CENIM-CSIC in Madrid, where my research evolved toward materials of greater technological relevance. There, I investigated the surface properties and corrosion behaviour of stainless steels, metal alloys, intermetallics, and mineral compounds. During this period, I also contributed to the development and characterization of Ti-based biomaterials for potential application as surgical implants (link).
Since 2002, at ICMM-CSIC, my research has progressively shifted toward the synthesis and characterization of low-dimensional materials. A major part of my work involves the on-surface synthesis of novel 0D, 1D, and 2D systems on a variety of substrates. I am also interested in the study of organic species on oxide surfaces, graphene and related 2D materials, and photocatalytic processes aimed at the development of functional materials. My research follows a multi-technique approach based on advanced surface science methods — including XPS, STM, LEED, and synchrotron radiation techniques — to elucidate reaction mechanisms and to determine chemical and structural modifications occurring at surfaces and in nanostructures.
I am co-author of more than 100 articles published in international peer-reviewed journals and have served as principal investigator of several national and regional research projects, as well as mobility programs such as “Salvador de Madariaga” and synchrotron-based experimental proposals. I have supervised PhD and Master’s theses and mentored undergraduate research students. In addition, I have participated in the organization of national and international conferences, served on the executive council of the Spanish Association of Vacuum and its Applications (as treasurer), acted as an independent expert for AENOR, and contributed actively to university teaching and numerous scientific outreach activities.
You can follow my scientific activity in:
– Web of Science ResearcherID: C-4571-2011
– GScholar