Anti-phase boundaries forming a new C60 phase on TiO2(110)
One of the most important research lines carried out by the ESISNA group is devoted to the characterization by the most advanced Surface Science techniques of the deposition of organic molecules on metal and metal oxide surfaces towards the formation of new molecular nanoassemblies and other hierarchical nanostructures. Following this…
Electronic contacts at the atomic scale for future graphene-based electronics
Due to its exceptional conduction properties, graphene has been proposed as a candidate to replace silicon in future electronics. However, several problems need to be overcome prior to its implantation in the production chain. Among these difficulties, one of the most fundamental unknown aspects is how to contact graphene with…
Mars Mimicking Chamber Explores Habitability of Other Planets
Researchers in Spain have designed a vacuum chamber capable of mimicking conditions on Mars to test gear for use in future missions SOURCE: WASHINGTON, March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire A research team in Spain has the enviable job of testing out new electromechanical gear for potential use in future missions to the «Red Planet.» They…
Sequential formation of N-doped nanohelicenes, nanographenes and nanodomes by surface-assisted chemical (cyclo)dehydrogenation of heteroaromatics
The use of appropriately functionalized molecular building blocks to form novel nano-architectures with tailored structure and electronic properties has recently been brought under the spotlight. Recently, the ESISNA group has developed an effective way of exploiting on-surface chemistry to grow different nanostructures in sequential steps from the same molecular precursor. We have used different activation temperatures to…
Looking for people
Currently we do not have any position open. Nevertheless, if you are interested in working with us, please, write us a motivation letter with your CV, indicating in which research line you would like to be involved.
On the origin of interstellar aromatic molecules
Despite their abundance and ubiquity in space, the origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is still a mystery for astronomers. Gas phase chemistry models, this is, simple collisions between C atoms and C-containing molecules, and soot formation mechanisms can not easily account for the observed amount of PAHs, as they…
ESISNA group awarded with a synergy grant
The European Research Council (ERC) announced the winners of 13 Synergy Grants, who will share a total of €150 million. The projects, at the crossroads of many disciplines, will receive funding of up to €15 million each for the coming six years. Amongst those projects, we can highlight the “Gas…
Reactivity of the TiO2(110) surface: deshydrogenating PAH’s by thermal activation
Our research group has shown the catalytic properties of the TiO2(110)-(1×1) surface towards dehydrogenation of large organic molecules. We have deposited C60H30 molecules on this surface and we have proven that high temperature annealing leads to partial cyclodehydrogenation, which allows the use of the activated PAH’s as building blocks for larger…
OPEN POSTDOCT POSITION AT THE ESISNA GROUP OF ICMM/CSIC
Functionalizing epitaxial graphene We are currently looking for a postdoc in the framework of the EC-Flagship program. The candidate should have proven experience in ultra high vacuum (UHV) and in some of the surface science characterization techniques (STM, LEED, XPS, synchrotron radiation…). IR experience in UHV will be advantageous. Your…
Diffusion controlled on-surface reactions: formation of N-doped nanoarchitectures
The bottom-up approach aims at forming tailored nanoarchitectures by manipulating organic molecules at atomic level and it is one of the most effective strategies used in nanotechnology. Catalytic surfaces are often used to prompt a particular reaction as they are very successful in modifying a particular molecule in selected ways.…