Feature Engineering for Innovation and Advances in Functional Materials: Does Morphology Matters?

• Juan Andrés

  • University Jaume I (UJI), Castelló, Spain

  • CDMF, UFSCar, São Carlos, Brazil

  • e-mail: andres@qfa.uji.es

In this talk we espoused a cross-disciplinary and collaborative approach, strengthened by the development of new synthesis (e.g. microwave-assisted method), use of the latest characterizations techniques (e.g., transmission-electron microscopy), first principle calculations, simulation and computational tools to reach to advance in Nanotechnology. A most effective strategy in materials innovation would be the three-dimensional (3D) shaping to allow a rational tailoring of the properties and functions of materials to target applications. Further advances require a more accurate description of their morphology, surface and of the transformations occurring beneath the surface in the environment of use. Through a selection of case studies, this talk proposes a journey from the concept of innovation, quantum mechanics, simulation, surface science to (nano)materials design, while illustrating state of- the-art spectroscopies and microscopies that help provide a relevant description of inorganic (nano)materials in the context of surface reactivity. A contemporary understanding of the morphology evolution of (nano)crystals/materials under thermodynamically and kinetically controlled conditions is provided. We reflect on his long fruitful scientific career and his many outstanding contributions, from catalysis, bactericide activity, and magnetic properties.