GINYS-ICN2-009

Nanomaterials growth

Our unit produces films using pulsed laser deposition techniques and MOCVD and works closely with many ICN2 research groups as well as external teams. A recently developed two-laser PLD configuration allows the co-operation of two targets for the deposition of composition gradient films, as well as new mixed composition materials. Our unit performs advanced structural characterization of thin films, mainly by X-ray diffraction, as well as working on the development of advanced methods for X-ray diffraction characterization of epitaxial thin films. These include plane diffraction, GIXRD analysis, as well as 3D reciprocal spatial mapping. This microstructure research is complemented by HRTEM characterization. We are especially interested in surface and interfacial phenomena, such as oxygen exchange kinetics. To this end we have developed a time-resolved XRD technique that controls the subtle chemical expansion produced in transition metal oxide thin films when their oxygen stoichiometry is changed. We aim to perform in situ and in-operand characterization by XRD in different solid state electrochemical devices. These studies have also been extended to in situ structural studies of ferroelectric and resistive switching materials, as well as photostrictive materials. In 2019 we also continued to work on the development of a thin film MOCVD process for the growth of high quality ultrafine transition metal dicalcogenides, starting with MoS 2, in collaboration with the ICN2 group led by Prof. . José A. Garrido.

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Mechanical workshop

The main objective of the Mechanical Workshop is to assist ICN2 researchers with the production and development of mechanical components. If capacity allows, tasks are also carried out for customers outside. The facility is equipped with state of the art CNC machine tools, conventional lathes and milling machines, as well as welding and fabrication equipment. We are further equipped with a CAD/CAM package to enhance the design and manufacturing capabilities. The Workshop is characterized by flexibility, quality and cooperation, and the tasks are carried out by a highly qualified personnel. The staff is available to assist researchers in the design assessment and feasibility, the material selection and the sourcing of associated components. Available techniques Precision milling, turning, grinding Close tolerance machining Computer-aided design (CAD) Computer-aided machining (CAM) Computer numeric control (CNC) Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding Folding and cutting machine

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Biolab

The ICN2 Biolab is a transversal facility that offers scientific advice and practical training in the field of Cell Biology, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, as well as technical support to carry out basic and applied research activities in organisms. living (cells / cell lines, microorganisms). ), potentially infectious material (blood, tissues, body fluids, clinical samples) and other biological material (proteins, nucleic acids, microbial toxins). Its central goal is to facilitate the research of the interface of nanotechnology and life sciences in a successful and safe manner. ICN2 Biolab is a level 2 biosafety laboratory (BSL-2). The specific support offered by the Biolab Facility includes: Access to BSL-2 laboratory and instrumentation. Assistance, technical supervision and training of users to ensure the correct and safe use of available equipment. Scientific and technical management, consultation and support in experimental design, implementation and analysis. Technical and basic instruction (practical training) in experimentation with cell and tissue cultures, and in techniques of molecular biology and microbiology. Carrying out experimental procedures by the technical staff of the installation. Development of protocols, guidelines, operating procedures, reports and management of required mandatory documentation. Assistance in administrative tasks related to legal aspects of biosafety and biosecurity. General maintenance of the laboratory, including cleaning procedures, waste disposal, sterilization and disinfection and supply of supplies (disposable laboratory equipment, consumables and sterile solutions, etc.) The Biolab installation aims to be flexible and open to (temporary) changes in the short or long term. All researchers can discuss possible adaptations of the Biolab with the facility leader who will try to address special needs and arrangements.

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Molecular spectroscopy and optical microscopy platform

The ICN2 spectroscopy and molecular microscopy facility is a set of laboratories that provide access to state-of-the-art equipment for the physicochemical and structural characterization of macro- and nano-scale materials. In addition to routine analysis, it also offers a range of highly demanding techniques and applications, thus satisfying the need for researchers for basic and specific scientific analysis. In addition to technical support and training for user-operated equipment, facility members also conduct case studies to inform and advise researchers and / or develop devices that improve the performance of existing equipment.

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X-ray diffraction platform

X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is a powerful non-destructive technique for characterizing crystalline materials in many different solid materials (organic, inorganic, and metallorganic). While most other analytical techniques provide elemental or molecular information from a sample, XRD is unique in providing a wide range of information on structures, crystalline phases, lattice parameters preferred crystal orientations, and other structural parameters such as, particle size, strain, stress, and crystal defects. The ICN2 x-ray diffraction facility is dedicated to support the research activities of ICN2 groups, the surrounding research community or private companies. The facility has the suitable equipment and knowledge for dealing with nanopowders and thin films materials. Samples usually come from the fields of Chemistry, Physics, and Material Science. The XRD facility is equipped with two versatile and advanced Malvern PANalytical diffractometers: a Multipurpose Diffractometer (MPD) for powder materials and a Materials Research Diffractometer (MRD) for thin films. The instruments allow to perform routinary powder analysis and phase identification, to more sophisticated measurements, including grazing angle diffraction, X-ray reflectometry, diffuse scattering studies in nanopowders (SAXS), high-resolution analysis and reciprocal space mapping in epitaxial films, in-plane diffraction, as well as diffraction under non-ambient conditions (High temperature and controlled atmosphere).

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Photoemission spectroscopy platform (XPS & UPS)

The ICN2 photoemission installation houses a state-of-the-art XPS and UPS system that allows the surface, chemical and electronic characterization of a wide range of materials. The facility provides services to both internal and external ICN2 customers. XPS and UPS are surface-sensitive techniques because electrons will travel only a few nanometers in the solid before to lose energy by inelastic interaction, meaning that the analyzed electrons come from the upper surface of the material. That is why, in photoemission spectroscopy, the sample is placed in an ultra high vacuum (UHV) to protect the surface from contamination and allow the emitted electrons from the solids to reach the analyzer. XPS, due to the higher energy of the X-ray source, gives access to the core level allowing the determination of the chemical structure of the materials as the core levels have a small chemical shift depending on the environment chemical of the atom that is ionized. XPS also allows you to quantify the elements present in the material. The UPS, due to the lower energy of UV light, gives access to the electrons of the valence bands and allows, with angular resolution UPS (ARUPS), to observe the distribution of electrons in the reciprocal space of solids.

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Nanofabrication platform

The ICN2 Nanofabrication Facility focuses on the design and development of nanofabrication methods and techniques for basic and applied research in nanoscience and nanotechnology. It provides researchers and students an extensive range of processing services to help them carry out their research activities. It also offers support, assistance and training to allow the researchers and other users to safely and efficiently operate the equipment available. The facility is designed to support the fabrication and characterisation of nanoscale materials and structures, and the integration of devices at all length scales. The facility’s mission is to provide high quality services to both internal and external users. MISSION AND VISION The Nanofabrication Facility is a cross-groups, general user facility, designed to support the ICN2 research effort. The facility is open to all trained personnel on a recharge basis, including ICN2 as well as external personnel. It is our mission to provide a state-of-the art facility for advanced device fabrication at the micro- and nano-scale. In addition to providing essential micro and nanofabrication capabilities for mainstream research on electronic, optoelectronic and 2D materials and devices, this facility is intended to facilitate the pursuit of research in emerging, interdisciplinary, and rapidly growing fields such as biomedical and biochemical lab-on-a-chip devices, heterogeneous integrated circuits, photonics and phononic devices and nanoscale science and technology. The Nanofabrication Facility aims to deliver outcomes that will have real impact for users, by ensuring that it is easy to access, agile in how it applies engineering expertise to respond quickly and accurately, and always seeking opportunities to enhance the quality of services that are available.

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Electron microscopy

The ICN2 Electron Microscopy Unit focuses on the use of electron microscopy techniques for research and applications in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The main objective of the Unit is to provide scientific-technical support to the ICN2 research lines and to external scientists and private companies, as well as to develop and implement new techniques. The laboratory has active collaborations with other research institutions and is increasingly involved in European networks, such as the NFFA project. It offers researchers and students a wide range of processing services to help them carry out their research activities.

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Instrumentation

MAIN LINES OF RESEARCH Design, development and improvement of advanced precision instrumentation Modification of commercial instrumentation to suit particular experimental requirements Scientific computing Data acquisition 3D-CAD design of precision devices Vacuum technology (HV, UHV) Cryogenics The unit offers scientific and technical assistance in applied physics, precision instrumentation, microengineering, nanotechnology, scientific computing and 3D design of precision devices. Its main goal is to help address the challenging instrumentation requirements in both basic and applied research. In 2019, the unit developed several new configurations to enable new experiments in the fields of magnetometry, spectroscopy, nanomaterial synthesis, photovoltaics and biodetection. The unit also participated in outreach activities, contributing its experience to design and build prototypes and technology demonstrations.

Graphene devices for cell bioelectronics

. José Manuel de la Cruz Sánchez

Graphene microtransistors: a wide-bandwidth technology for recording brain field potentials

Eduard Masvidal Codina

Low-cost point-of-care biosensor device for clinical diagnosis in developing countries

Patricia Ramirez Priego

EGNITE: Engineered Graphene for Neural Interface

Damià Viana Casals

Fast responsive photochromic materials through nanoemulsion entrapments

Hector Torres Pierna

Clinical diagnosis and pathogen detection with a novel multiplexed nanophotonic point-of-care biosensor

Núria Fabri Faja

Printed Graphene for Energy Storage and Sensing Applications

Nagar Bhawna

Encapsulation of Stimuli-Responsive Molecules for the Preparation of Photofunctional Materials

Nuria Alejandra Vázquez Mera

Nanoplasmonic Biosensors for Clinical Diagnosis at the Point of Care

Maria Soler Aznar