Department of Radiation Chemistry and Radiochemistry

Department Description

In this department, chemical effects caused by ionizing radiation on different materials are studied, as well as several aspects of nanomaterials chemistry, and computational nanoscience. The staff here works on the following areas:

Macromolecules:

In the formation of interpenetrating networks, binary grafts and comb type systems, for the immobilization of biocomponents and heavy metals for their separation and purification of contaminated waters, as well as in the formation of intelligent polymeric system with potential applications in the controlled release of drugs. The synthesis and characterization of systems containing a high quantity of fluor, these systems contain polyether and polyesters groups, which are highly resistant to radiation and are thermically stable, relevant to the space industry. There are also studies carried out on chemical transformations in advanced engineering plastics exposed to gamma radiation.

Supramolecular organization and Langmuir-Blodgett films:

The preparation and characterization of ultrafine organic films (Langmuir-Blodgett type) is conducted, as well as the study of the functioning of these type of films based on their molecular organization, as feasible electroluminescent devices (OLEDs), and photovoltaic devices. There are also studies carried out on the interactions between monolayers, the behavior of amphiphile substances at the air-water interface, J and H aggregates on amphiphilic chromophores monolayers, the penetration of water-soluble substances on extended monolayers at the air-water interface.

Chemical evolution and prebiotic chemistry:

Chemical evolution studies the physicochemical processes that probably occurred previous to the appearance of life. In this project, the formation and stability of bio-organic molecules is studied, and makes emphasize on the role that ionizing radiation and solid surfaces may have had in these processes, both in the primitive Earth, and in extraterrestrial environments. Research is also carried out on the process of self-assembly of organic components that are activated with gamma and ultraviolet radiation, as well as on the effect of mineral surfaces on the self-assembly of these components and their potential functionalization (activation) by radiations.

Radiolysis kinetics and post-radiolysis:

These effects are studied in the oxidation of aromatic compounds in aqueous solutions. The identification and distribution of radiolytic products formed by the attack of O and OH radicals, their kinetics and the directing effect of the substituent on the aromatic ring. The rate constants of the free radicals upon attack of the aromatic compound and their charge distribution. The decomposition of vitamins, and the identification of their radiolytic products, are also studied.

Dosimetry:

This field systematically studies the response of thermoluminescent materials and radiochromic film when exposed to photon beams and charged particles with various energies, in order to try to explain the differences in their responses to different types and energies of ionizing energy. These materials are used in medical physics to measure the dose received by the patients on radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy. Dosimetric systems of possible industrial application, especially at low temperatures, are also developed.

Self-assambled nanomaterials:

Nanostructured materials (such as viral proteins, carbon nanomaterials and porphyrin hybrids, among others) are studied using the following microscopy techniques: scanning tunneling and atomic force.

Computational nanoscience:

Properties of carbon nanomaterials (fullerenes and carbon nanotubes) are studied using computational techniques of molecular mechanics and those of the density functional theory (DFT). The main focus is on the chemical reactions with amines, thiols, etc., as well as non-covalent interactions with various biomolecules (amino acids, peptides, nucleic acid components and porphyrins).

Organometallic chemistry:

The design of organic and organometallic compounds with applications in organic synthesis, catalysis, and materials is conducted. Various synthetic strategies are developed in order to accomplish the stabilization of highly reactive organic intermediates through iron organometallic complexes, with the purpose of studying their reactivity towards the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. Likewise, we develop the synthesis of complex organometallics with catalytic properties aimed at the synthesis of high added value molecules, in combination with the use of alternative energy sources. Additionally, we are interested in the design of new organic and organometallic precursors for the formation of molecular materials with optoelectronic properties and/or fluorescent properties.