By integrating insights from various fields such as solid-state physics, soft-matter physics, geochemistry, and chemical engineering, the research group known as the “Ceramic and Cement-based Materials” aims to revolutionize the development and production of ceramic and cement materials with reduced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This multidisciplinary team employs computational approaches to drive the design and synthesis of innovative materials that contribute to a lower environmental footprint.

The “Ceramic and Cement-based Materials” group employs a diverse range of cutting-edge techniques and methodologies to drive innovation and sustainability in the field of material science. Some noteworthy areas of their research include:

• Atomistic and Colloidal Simulations: The group utilizes advanced computational methods, such as atomistic and colloidal simulations, to investigate the structure and properties of materials. By delving into the microscopic interactions between atoms and molecules, they gain valuable insights into material behavior and design principles, enabling them to develop novel solutions with reduced environmental impact.

• Hydrothermal and Supercritical Fluid Technologies: The team pioneers the implementation of new hydrothermal and supercritical fluids (SCF) technologies for ultra-fast synthesis of ceramic nanoparticles. These state-of-the-art techniques offer exceptional control over particle size, morphology, and composition, enabling the production of advanced materials with enhanced properties and a lower CO2 footprint.

• Innovative Sintering Methodologies: The group focuses on developing novel sintering methodologies, harnessing the power of autoclaves or microwaves. These techniques offer significant energy savings and a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process. By optimizing the sintering conditions, they achieve efficient consolidation of materials, enhancing their mechanical strength and overall performance.

• Cement-based Materials for Energy Storage: The team explores the frontiers of material science to develop new cement-based materials for energy storage applications. By incorporating innovative compositions and nanostructured architectures, they aim to create materials that can store and release energy efficiently. This research opens avenues for sustainable energy storage solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into buildings and infrastructure.

• Photonic Meta-Concretes (PMC): Recognizing the growing demand for advanced materials in diverse sectors, the group focuses on the design and development of photonic meta-concretes (PMC). These cutting-edge materials exhibit unique photonic properties and are poised for applications in buildings, solar cells, or telecommunications. By integrating photonic functionalities into concrete, the team enables the creation of smart and sustainable infrastructure with improved energy efficiency and communication capabilities.

Through interdisciplinary research and use of innovative techniques, the “Ceramic and Cement-based Materials” group strives to revolutionize the field, fostering the development of environmentally friendly materials and paving the way for a more sustainable future.