From the Atoms to Functional Nanomaterials
Abstract
In this lecture, the speaker will focus on the impact that nanofabrication and advanced microscopies play on the understanding of the basic mechanisms driving physic-chemical phenomena at the nanoscale. The role in catalytic processes of individual atoms can be studied by scanning tunnelling microscopy, as explained by the example of the dissociation of hydrogen molecules by cobalt atoms. Thin film nanostructures as multilayer constitutes the emergence of new thermoelectric devices that uses spin currents instead of charge currents. Magnetic nanoparticles, due to the electromagnetic radiation adsorption in the radiofrequency range, operate as nanoheaters that will influence new focused therapies in cancer treatment.
The already existing capabilities offered by nanoscience open new paradigms for the design of materials with new functionalities.
About the speaker
Prof. Manuel Ricardo Ibarra García received his BSc in Physics from the University of Granada in 1979 and his PhD in Physics from the University of Zaragoza in 1983. He is the Founding Director of the Institute of Nanoscience of Aragon, Director of the Advanced Microscopy Laboratory, President of the Spanish Integrated Infrastructure for Electron Microscopy of Materials, and Professor of Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Zaragoza, Spain. He also serves as the Head of the Magnetism Section of the European Physical Society and a managing partner of three spin-off companies.
Prof. Ibarra García's research excellence was recognized by the region of Aragon and the Spanish government. He has made major contributions in areas such as magnetic anisotropy in rare earth intermetallics, colossal magnetoresistance in mixed valent magnetic oxides, giant magnetocaloric effect alloys and the applications of nanoparticles in biomedicine and magnetoresistive sensors.
Prof. Ibarra García was awarded the Plaque of Honour AEC-2014 by the Spanish Scientists Association and the CSIC Honor Tribute (2009) by the Spanish National Research Council. He also received an honorary doctorate degree from the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland (2008). In 2016, he was elected Academician of the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical, Chemical and Natural Sciences of Zaragoza.
