Research activity:
My research interests fall in the field of solid state chemistry and thermodynamics with the final aim to develop knowledge-based advanced materials for advanced technological applications. In particular my research approach integrates vertically the investigation of materials for energy applications exploiting a variety of techniques and complementary-strategies:
(a) physical-chemistry experimental characterization of the materials structural, thermodynamic and morphological properties (X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopies; Nitrogen adsorption; thermal analysis, calorimetric analysis);
(b) functional characterization of materials (and processes) in energy storage devices ex situ and in operando (Li-batteries, Na-batteries, Li-O2 batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, H2 sorption alloys)
(c) computational modelling by density functional theory (DFT) of solids and molecules (gas phase and solvated in simulated dielectrics) to evaluate their thermodynamic properties in relevant application environment
