nir-vana innovation network

The Spanish researchers work intensively in the modification of surfaces using a nanotechnological approach. They can design on-demand coating for organic and metallic surfaces, and have experience on tuning: hydrophobicity, electrical and optical properties, cell adhesion, chemical functionality and biochemical recognition. They have wide experience in building and characterizing monomolecular and thin films, both at air/liquid and air/solid interfaces.

They work with metallic nanoparticles for: drug delivery, hyperthermia and biosensing.

The Research group also design metallic nanoparticles for electrocatalysis for renewable energy and the hydrogen economy, mainly as cathode materials in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).

In another line of research, experts are focused on the fabrication of solar devices based on innovative materials, especially hybrid perovskites with subtle modification of their structure. They are able to deposit the different layers via the spin-coating method and by evaporation of metallic contacts for the counterelectrodes. They have a glovebox for the preparation of the devices to control the atmosphere at which the cells are fabricated.

Also they are specialized in the photophysical characterization of novel materials, including absorption measurements, diffuse reflectance, steady-state photoluminescence, time-resolved emission and nanosecond flash photolysis.

The researchers are interested in collaborating with public and private companies with expertise and knowledge oriented to the nanotechnology area under license, financial and research cooperation agreement, in order to commercialize the products and explore new research lines and applications.

Advantages & innovations

- The enhanced performance and superior flexibility in the design provided by the nanotechnological approach in materials. - The perovskite solar cells (third generation solar cells) currently fabricated are cost-effective versus silicon devices but with a reduced stability. This research is focused on the enhancement of the stability of the perovskite, reducing the degradation mechanisms on the perovskite material.

Stage of development

Project already started

Partner sought

- Private companies in the field of nanotechnology applications for license or funding agreement with the objective of transferring the innovative technology to the industry and collaborating with the commercialization activities. - Public or private entities for research or technical cooperation agreements, with the objective of exploring new research lines and applications of the new technology