ChemLowD group (IMDEA Nanoscience)

Chemistry of Low-Dimensional Materials group has been created ad hoc for the objectives of FotoArt-CM, as a result of the union of two of the most promising groups at IMDEA Nanoscience, those of Prof. Emilio M. Pérez (ERC StG 2012) and Prof. David Écija (ERC CoG 2017), together with a newly created group led by Dr. Enrique Burzurí (MSCAIF 2016, CAM Talent Attraction, Modality 1, 2017).

With this union we combine expertise in organic synthesis and covalent and supramolecular modification of molecular materials (EMP), with surface chemistry in ultrahigh vacuum environments, with visualization and control at the atomic scale (DE) and with the physics of low-dimensional materials (EB). The group has active European, national and regional projects for a total value of more than €3M and shows a combined H-index of 43, with more than 6500 citations (Google Scholar, July 2018). The group has supervised 7 PhD theses and has another 9 in progress. The group's main objective is the synthesis, chemical modification and study of the physical and chemical properties of low dimensional materials, in particular carbon nanotubes (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) materials. In relation to the objectives of this project, the group has proven experience in different lines of research.

Novel methods for the chemical modification of carbon nanotubes. Pioneers in the application of mechanical bond chemistry to single-walled carbon nanotubes, as well as endohedral functionalization and the combination of both techniques.

Chemistry of 2D materials. Covalent and supramolecular functionalisation of graphene, transition metal chalcogenides (e.g. MoS2 and WS2), as well as obtaining colloidal suspensions of van der Waals heterostructures and obtaining (opto)electronic devices from them.

Design of nanostructures on surfaces. Under extremely clean conditions, various functional nanostructured materials are grown, ranging from oxides (the subject of this project) to metal-organic or covalent networks. Equipped with state-of-the-art tunneling microscopes, the topographical and electronic structure as well as the reactivity towards molecular compounds (water, etc.) are visualized and characterized with atomic precision.

Devices nanofabrication in clean room. This includes the use of electron and optical lithography, metal evaporation and other cleanroom processing for the fabrication of (opto)electronic devices with 2D materials. Electronic transport in low dimensional materials (molecules, nanotubes and 2D materials). Extensive experience in the electronic characterization of devices manufactured with low dimensional materials.

The group has all the infrastructures and equipment necessary for the development of its tasks in this project. We have organic synthesis laboratories and a large number of advanced characterization equipment:

Raman spectrometer (confocal microscope); UVvisNIR absorption and fluorescence spectrometers;

Ultra-high vacuum system (sample preparation hood, LEED/Auger and two tunneling microscopes, one low temperature, for high precision measurements of topography and electronic structure, and one variable temperature tunneling microscope, and X-ray photoemission hood, in order to combine high resolution topographic measurements and spatially averaged photoemission measurements facilitating spatial, chemical and electronic characterization;

An electrical station for electronic measurements equipped with optical access and temperature control down to liquid nitrogen. (HPXPS, XAS, XMCD, XRD) such as ALBACELLS or Diamond, supercomputing centers such as CESCA or CESGA, central laboratory (ICP and HCNO; adsorption/desorption isotherms (Ar or N₂); TGA/DSC, among others), cleanroom at IMDEA Nanoscience and advanced microscopy technique (SEM (IMDEA Nanoscience) and TEM (Complutense University of Madrid)).