Research Group · UAM

MATELEC

Electrochemical synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of materials

20+ Years of research
214+ Publications
17+ Funded projects
MATELEC Group

Our Research

The research group “Synthesis and Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Characterisation of Materials” (MATELEC) focuses primarily on the synthesis of nanomaterials using electrochemical methods, followed by surface modification, for use in various technological applications.


In addition, the structural and morphological characterisation of these materials, as well as their chemical and physical properties, is carried out using various experimental techniques, notably Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray and neutron diffraction, typically making use of large synchrotron radiation facilities and neutron sources.


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Advanced materials for the removal of emerging contaminants

We design and study nanomaterials, heterostructures, and MOFs with high adsorptive, photocatalytic, and catalytic activity for the removal of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and other emerging contaminants from water.

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Sustainable 3D printing of catalysts and functional reactors

We develop 3D-printed monoliths, electrodes, and reactors based on functional materials and recycled plastics, aiming to integrate catalysis, photocatalysis, and electrochemical processes into scalable and sustainable devices for water treatment.

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Recovery and degradation of microplastics

We investigate new strategies for the capture, magnetic separation, and degradation of microplastics through electrocoagulation, magnetic materials, and advanced oxidation processes, promoting effective solutions within the framework of the circular economy.

Electrocatalysis and electrochemical sensors for energy and environmental applications

We work on the design of multifunctional electrocatalysts and nanomaterial-based sensors for applications in Zn-air batteries, H2O2 production, electrochemical degradation of contaminants, and detection of target analytes.

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Latest Publications

2026

Fernandez-Velayos, Sergio; Siguenza, Adriana; Venegas, Ricardo; Mazario, Eva; Menedez, Nieves; Palomares, F. Javier; Alvarez, Jesus; Capitan, Maria Jose et al.

Study of M-N-C@FeNPs (M: Fe, Co, Ni) bifunctional electrocatalysts as positive electrodes for rechargeable Zn-air batteries

J POWER SOURCES, 666, 239164, (2026)

DOI →
2025

Marinho, Thayna Campeol; Gomez-Aviles, Almudena; Herrasti, Pilar

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Adsorption and Degradation of Microplastics

MICROPLASTICS, 4, 11, (2025)

DOI →
2025

Resendiz-Trejo, Y.; Jesus, F. Sanchez-De; Cortes-Escobedo, C. A.; Betancourt-Cantera, L. G.; Herrasti-Gonzalez, P.; Bolarin-Miro, A. M.

Facile synthesis of high-entropy lead-free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics via high-energy ball milling

MATERIALIA, 43, 102513, (2025)

DOI →
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Large-Scale Scientific Facilities

The group regularly performs experiments at the leading European synchrotron radiation and neutron facilities: