ICMATE-Genoa has expertise in the fields of physical chemistry of interfaces and in the preparation of powders, ceramics and composites of functional oxides.
The phenomena of adsorption of surfactants at liquid interfaces, also in the presence of solid nanoparticles, are studied by dynamic surface tension measurements and by interfacial rheology, in reference to the formulation/stability of emulsions and foams and to the development and characterization of superhydrophobic surfaces as well as of nano-structured materials. These studies also see applications in the bio-medical field (toxicity of nanoparticles, development of carriers and of biomedical tissues) and in the marine environment.
The high temperature studies are directed to the assessment and modeling of thermophysical properties (surface tension, density, adsorption) of liquid metals, of their interactions with solids (metal alloys and ceramics), also in microgravity conditions, for defining their reactivity (wettability, corrosion) and for the design of metallurgical processes and joining (brazing, soldering).
The general objective of the work on advanced functional oxides is to understand the correlations between composition, microstructure and properties of dielectric, ferroelectric and multiferroic materials, widely used in the electronic industry.
Ceramic materials, characterized by proton-, anionic- or mixed-conduction, and metals are studied for different applications, in particular for the transformation and the accumulation of energy (fuel cells-SOFC, solid-oxide electrolytic cells (SOEC) and stack).
Research activities are linked to a constant technology transfer activity. ICMATE-Genoa, in fact, has continuous interchange relations with the industrial world both for joint research activities and for the conduct of tests and measures.
Constant and qualified is also the interaction with universities and the participation in international and national projects.
The personnel consists of permanent and temporary researchers, supported by the administrative and technical staff, as well as by students, post-doc and associated personnel who cooperate with the research activities. Overall, the skills are multidisciplinary in nature, with a regular distribution between chemists, engineers and physicists.
Contact the Genoa unit
Head of UOS Genoa: Dr. Vincenzo Buscaglia
Via E. De Marini, 6 - 16149 Genoa - Italy
Phone: +39 010 6475 708
Fax: +39 010 6475 700
Email address of the secretariat: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
How to arrive
The headquarters of the Genoa's Research Area is located in the Tower of France, at the civic number 1 of Via De Marini, and it's easily accessible by all means of transportation:
By car
from the highway exit "Genova Ovest", located about 300 meters from our office;
By train
from railway station "Genoa Piazza Principe" and then with the bus 30 to the last stop of Via di Francia, the buses 20 and 30/ to the stop Francia 3/FS Station;
By plaine
From the Cristoforo Colombo's Airport and then with the Volabus shuttle to the railway station "Genoa Piazza Principe". Afterwards with the bus 30 to the last stop of Via di Francia, the buses 20 and 30/ to the stop Francia 3/FS Station;
