Ibáñez Group
Inorganic Materials from Nano to Macro Scales
Understanding structure-property relationships, as well as the development of materials for target applications, is limited by our ability to control the defects at multi-length scales. One potential solution investigated by the Ibáñez group is through the use of nanoparticle (NP)-based precursors. These undergo predictable transformations into polycrystalline solids dictated by the specific, tunable features of the nanoparticle’s inorganic core, the surrounding surface species, and the NP array configuration.
In particular, the Ibáñez group works on developing new synthetic methods for complex nanocrystals, unravels the role of native or post-synthetically added surface species, and investigates means for their organization. With the idea to carefully engineer the NP-based precursor to produce macroscopic solids with targeted features, the group also explores the chemical transformations involved in the process.
Broadening the use of NP-based precursors, the group also aims to provide high-efficiency, cost-effective thermoelectric materials. To accelerate the discovery and optimization of thermoelectric materials, we built the Werner Siemens Thermoelectric Laboratory, where we employ high-throughput methods.
Werner Siemens Thermoelectric Laboratory
The Werner Siemens Thermoelectric Laboratory is dedicated to developing high-performance thermoelectric materials that can efficiently convert heat into electricity and vice versa. Existing materials are often limited by high costs, toxicity, and low efficiency. To overcome these challenges, we employ innovative solution-processed methods using nanoparticles, guided by high-throughput (HTP) experimentation, machine learning, and atomistic simulations. Our primary objective is to create cost-effective thermoelectric materials for a wide range of applications, including the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless sensors, and waste heat recovery.
Our approach is unique in that it explores a high-dimensional search space of material possibilities, accelerating the discovery process far beyond conventional methods. By integrating computational predictions and data-driven techniques, we aim to uncover materials with unprecedented performance.
Group Leader
Maria Ibáñez
Verbund Professor for Energy Sciences & Head of the Werner Siemens Thermoelectric Laboratory
Administrative Support
Team
Current Projects
Syntheses of novel metal and semiconductor nanocrystals | Unravelling of nanocrystal surface chemistry | Nanocrystals assembly and consolidation | Transport properties of nanocrystal-based solids | Electrocatalytic CO2 conversion | Bottom-up processed thermoelectric nanomaterials
Publications
ReX-Link: Maria Ibáñez
Career
Since 2022 Verbund Professor for Energy Sciences, Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
Since 2020 Head of the Werner Siemens Thermoelectric Laboratory, Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
2018-2022 Assistant Professor, Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
2014-2018 Research Fellow, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
2013-2014 Research Fellow, Catalonia Institute of Energy Research (IREC), Spain
2013 Visiting Researcher, Northwestern University, USA
2012 Visiting Ph.D. student, Cornell University, USA
2011 Visiting Ph.D. student, Caltech Materials Science, USA
2010 Visiting Ph.D. student, University of Chicago, USA
2009-2013 Graduate researcher assistant, University of Barcelona, Spain
2009 Visiting Ph.D. student, Institute for Nanoscience and Cryogenics (INAC), CEA, France
2008-2009 Graduate researcher assistant, University of Barcelona, Spain
Selected Distinctions
2020-2028 Awardee of a Werner Siemens Foundation project
2017 Ružička Prize
2017 ETH Career Seed Grant
2014 Beatriu de Pinós Postdoctoral Grant
2013 PhD Extraordinary Award, University of Barcelona
2009 Training program for Academic Staff (FPU)
Additional Information
Download CV
View Ibáñez group website
Physics & Beyond at ISTA
Chemistry Colloquia website
