Research group
QESUB
SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY UNIVERSITY OF BARCELONA
Xavier Vendrell
Group Leader
Research at the Solid-State Chemistry (QES) group lies at the intersection of Chemistry, Physics, and Inorganic Materials Engineering.
We focus on the synthesis and characterisation of oxide-based ceramic materials, aiming to understand and control the relationship between their functional properties, chemical composition, crystal structure, and microstructure.
We apply this approach to investigate a wide range of functional ceramic materials, particularly ionic conductors, mixed ionic–electronic conductors, semiconductors, ferroelectrics, and dielectrics.
Our research is broad in scope and combines a variety of experimental techniques, including:
Conventional and non-conventional synthesis, and crystal structure determination of new materials.
Use of phase diagrams to elucidate doping mechanisms, solid solution formation, and polymorphism in inorganic compounds.
Measurement of electrical properties, especially through impedance spectroscopy, to assess the conductivity and permittivity of materials.
Development and refinement of impedance spectroscopy techniques for different types of electroceramic materials.
Key projects
Synthesis and characterization of new solid electrolytes (mainly oxygen and lithium-ion conductors).
Development of novel, non-conventional synthesis and sintering methods.
Understanding structure–property relationships governing the performance of dielectric materials.
Synthesis of new perovskite-type oxides with relaxor ferroelectric behaviour for potential applications in capacitors and dielectric devices.
Sol-gel synthesis of high-purity electroceramic materials.
Interested in joining our efforts to develop advanced inorganic materials for a more sustainable future?
Reach out to explore collaboration opportunities.