I am part of the theoretical CompNano research group at Yachay Tech University
My research interests in condensed matter are focused on the topology of 2D materials such as graphene. These interests include the topology of the materials, topological defects and applications of these materials to real problems!
TOPOLOGICAL DEFECTS: GRAPHENE
Structural irregularities in layered materials can heavily affect their properties. Some possible defects are the Topological Defects, which are induced by transforming part of the hexagonal carbon lattice to form non-hexagonal carbon rings!
In this study, we investigated the atomic and electronic structure and formation energies of graphene with patterned stone wales defects (SWD) and flower-like defects (FLD).
Fig. Patterned defects on graphene!
IMPROVE WATER CONDENSATION
There is a historical problem of inefficiency in water condensation processes. During my undergraduate years, I was the PI in a small research group of talented undergraduate students studying how to improve water condensation on cooper surfaces. This research was partially funded and supported by Yachay Tech University, Prof. Carlos Reinoso, Prof. Carlos Castillo Chavez, Prof. Fernando Alvericio, Prof. Julio Armas, Prof. Andreas Griewank and Prof. Alicia Sommer.
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A coating was obtained as a result, and the patent processes were initiated. The worldwide recognized project Water-Y plans to use the coating to help local communities access clean water for their crops!
I was selected as one of the MIT innovators under 35 in 2022!
We developed different types of coating . e) shows the best performance. In ideal conditions, experiments showed it improved up to 6 times (sorry, no detailed information about the coating can be given since the patent is in process).
Patent pending
The research involved different processes, including theory and design of the experiments (my main job!), experiments, data analysis, image treatment (as shown in the right picture), creation of a chamber for experiments, and many headaches! Some of the students that contributed the most to different administrative and research parts of the project are Carlos Chipantiza, Cynthia Arias, Cristina Rubio, Jorge Vega, Ariel Cabrera et al.
Fun fact: during the pandemic, the laboratories were closed, and we wanted to test some ideas, so I created my own laboratory in my University dorm (but shhh!)
