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Novel insights into the surfactant-templating process leading to the formation of tailored intracrystalline mesoporosity in USY zeolite are presented in the light of the changes in the textural, morphological, and chemical properties of... more
Novel insights into the surfactant-templating process leading to the formation of tailored intracrystalline mesoporosity in USY zeolite are presented in the light of the changes in the textural, morphological, and chemical properties of this zeolite produced during its treatment in a basic solution of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The inability of analogous surfactants with bulkier heads to produce mesoporosity suggests that individual CTAB molecules can actually enter the zeolite through its microporosity. Once inside, the surfactant molecules self-assemble to produce the micelles responsible for the formation of mesoporosity causing the expansion of the zeolite crystals, as evidenced by He pycnometry measurements. The analysis of ultramicrotomed samples by transmission electron microscopy evidenced the formation of uniform intracrystalline mesoporosity throughout the entire crystals. In order to investigate an alternative method, namely, the dissolution and reassembly of zeolites, this was perf...
The small size of micropores (typically <1 nm) in zeolites causes slow diffusion of reactant and product molecules in and out of the pores and negatively impacts the product selectivity of zeolite based catalysts, for example, fluid... more
The small size of micropores (typically <1 nm) in zeolites causes slow diffusion of reactant and product molecules in and out of the pores and negatively impacts the product selectivity of zeolite based catalysts, for example, fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts. Size-tailored mesoporosity was introduced into commercial zeolite Y crystals by a simple surfactant-templating post-synthetic mesostructuring process. The resulting mesoporous zeolite Y showed significantly improved
product selectivity in both laboratory testing and refinery trials. Advanced characterization techniques such as electron tomography, three-dimensional rotation electron diffraction, and high resolution gas adsorption coupled with hysteresis scanning and density functional theory, unambiguously revealed
the intracystalline nature and connectivity of the introduced mesopores. They can be considered as molecular highways that help reactant and product molecules diffuse quickly to and away from the catalytically active sites within the zeolite
crystals and, thus, shift the selectivity to favor the production of more of the valuable liquid fuels at reduced yields of coke and unconverted feed.
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As described in a paper published recently in Anales de Química–the official journal of the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry–(cover page shown in Figure 1)[1], Spain has relatively few stamps on Science and Technology. This started to... more
As described in a paper published recently in Anales de Química–the official journal of the Spanish Royal Society of Chemistry–(cover page shown in Figure 1)[1], Spain has relatively few stamps on Science and Technology. This started to change in 2005, when Correos de España (Spanish Mail) decided to start issuing each year two stamps related to science under a new Serie Ciencia (Science Series). Still a low number if compared to the bulk of all the stamps issue by Spain every year.
Abstract: A set of terms, definitions and recommendations is provided for use in the classification of coordination polymers, networks and metal-organic frameworks. A hierarchical terminology is recommended where the most general term is... more
Abstract: A set of terms, definitions and recommendations is provided for use in the classification of coordination polymers, networks and metal-organic frameworks. A hierarchical terminology is recommended where the most general term is coordination polymer. Coordination networks are a subset of coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) a further subset of coordination networks.
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Chemistry weeks are wonderful opportunities to promote and raise public awareness about, and appreciation for, chemistry. In some countries, they are quite popular, some even have been institutionalized and are on our calendar every fall.... more
Chemistry weeks are wonderful opportunities to promote and raise public awareness about, and appreciation for, chemistry. In some countries, they are quite popular, some even have been institutionalized and are on our calendar every fall. In general, they prove to be quite successful. Sometimes, the events provide children with their first exposure to science and for many they are a good occasion for remembering a science studied a long time ago.
Resumen: El uso de unidades de construcción de tamaño nanométrico permite la preparación de sólidos organizados a varias escalas con gran precisión. La síntesis, modificación y funcionalización de estas nanounidades condicionan la... more
Resumen: El uso de unidades de construcción de tamaño nanométrico permite la preparación de sólidos organizados a varias escalas con gran precisión. La síntesis, modificación y funcionalización de estas nanounidades condicionan la arquitectura final del sólido, así como la manera en la que estas piezas se organizan en estructuras más complejas. En general, se recurre al autoensamblaje de los bloques de construcción más sencillos mediante interacciones débiles.
La síntesis de nanomateriales es actualmente una de las ramas más activas dentro de la nanociencia. La definición de nanomateriales engloba aquellos en los que al menos una de sus dimensiones se encuentra en el rango de la nanoescala, es... more
La síntesis de nanomateriales es actualmente una de las ramas más activas dentro de la nanociencia. La definición de nanomateriales engloba aquellos en los que al menos una de sus dimensiones se encuentra en el rango de la nanoescala, es decir, entre 1 y 100 nanómetros. La cualidad más importante y sorprendente de esta nueva familia de materiales es el desarrollo de importantes propiedades dependientes del tamaño cuando sus dimensiones alcanzan el rango nanométrico.
Silicates LiMSiO4 are potential positive electrode materials for lithium ion batteries. In this work we analyse from first principles calculations the relative stability of possible LiFeSiO4-polymorphs within four structural types.... more
Silicates LiMSiO4 are potential positive electrode materials for lithium ion batteries. In this work we analyse from first principles calculations the relative stability of possible LiFeSiO4-polymorphs within four structural types. Olivine-LiFeSiO4 is predicted to be more stable than the LiFeSiO4 prepared by delithiation of Li2FeSiO4; the latter being the only LiFeSiO4 compound reported so far.
RESUMEN Las plataformas virtuales y herramientas on-line son parte de la vida cotidiana de los estudiantes que llenan nuestras clases. Web 2.0 es el término que involucra a toda esta nueva generación de sitios web representando el cambio... more
RESUMEN Las plataformas virtuales y herramientas on-line son parte de la vida cotidiana de los estudiantes que llenan nuestras clases. Web 2.0 es el término que involucra a toda esta nueva generación de sitios web representando el cambio de la web como fuente de información a la web como plataforma de participación y por lo tanto, este término es más una actitud que una tecnología.
Nanotechnology, with its unprecedented control over the structure of materials, can provide us with superior materials that will unlock tremendous potential of many energy technologies currently at the discovery phase. The quest for more... more
Nanotechnology, with its unprecedented control over the structure of materials, can provide us with superior materials that will unlock tremendous potential of many energy technologies currently at the discovery phase. The quest for more sustainable energy technologies is not only a scientific endeavor that can inspire a whole generation of scientists, but the best way to establish a new economy based on innovation, better paid jobs, and care for the environment 1, 2.
Porous materials have attracted a great deal of interest in the past several decades due to their wide potential applications. 1 Recent fundamental research efforts on porous manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieves (OMS) have been... more
Porous materials have attracted a great deal of interest in the past several decades due to their wide potential applications. 1 Recent fundamental research efforts on porous manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieves (OMS) have been directed towards controlling the tunnel size, which determines the physical and chemical properties of OMS materials.
Membranes are materials with a great importance from an industrial point of view as they are involved in many separation processes in both gas and liquid phase (1). Membranes act as a barrier that restricts the diffusion of specific... more
Membranes are materials with a great importance from an industrial point of view as they are involved in many separation processes in both gas and liquid phase (1). Membranes act as a barrier that restricts the diffusion of specific components of a given mixture. These materials usually consist on a thin, homogenous, and defect-free separation layer supported on an appropriate macroporous support.
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• The web does not substitute the invaluable personal interaction between teacher and student and but opens new opportunities that, without being a silver bullet, should be added to our ammunition to increase public understanding and... more
• The web does not substitute the invaluable personal interaction between teacher and student and but opens new opportunities that, without being a silver bullet, should be added to our ammunition to increase public understanding and appreciation of chemistry, especially among the new generation of scientists and technologists.
Research Interests:
One study shows that 96% of the students with online access reported that they used online social media, and nearly 60% of those students use these online tools to discuss educationrelated topics and more than 50% reported that they use... more
One study shows that 96% of the students with online access reported that they used online social media, and nearly 60% of those students use these online tools to discuss educationrelated topics and more than 50% reported that they use them to discuss schoolwork to support their education. 1 Recognizing the potential risks of irresponsible use of the web, there is great potential in the new social networking technologies to reach our kids using their own language and help them find their own interests.
Research Interests:
Gas separation processes are often necessary in industry. Very different types of membranes have been designed for this purpose. Inorganic membranes have demonstrated good properties in the separation and catalysis of a wide number of... more
Gas separation processes are often necessary in industry. Very different types of membranes have been designed for this purpose. Inorganic membranes have demonstrated good properties in the separation and catalysis of a wide number of processes. These membranes are specially useful for their stability at high temperature and aggressive environments [1].
Javier García Martínez l verano de 1938 fue especialmente caluroso. Hacía meses que las tropas avanzaban con dificultad hacia el Frente del Ebro. Un grupo de soldados de apenas veinte años, un sargento de Soria y un teniente que antes... more
Javier García Martínez l verano de 1938 fue especialmente caluroso. Hacía meses que las tropas avanzaban con dificultad hacia el Frente del Ebro. Un grupo de soldados de apenas veinte años, un sargento de Soria y un teniente que antes había sido maestro llevaban varios días caminando entre pantanales con la munición totalmente mojada y los fusiles en alto. Pero no fueron las balas las que hirieron a Daniel obligándole a recorrer durante meses los hospitales de la España nacional.
Resumen: Durante el año 2007, se han celebrado un buen número de actividades con motivo del centenario del fallecimiento del gran químico ruso Dimitri Ivánovich Mendeléiev coincidiendo con el Año de la Ciencia. A continuación, se... more
Resumen: Durante el año 2007, se han celebrado un buen número de actividades con motivo del centenario del fallecimiento del gran químico ruso Dimitri Ivánovich Mendeléiev coincidiendo con el Año de la Ciencia. A continuación, se describen las más relevantes, haciendo especial hincapié en aquellas que han contribuido a promover y difundir la química en nuestro país.
Javier García Martínez ace pocos meses releí el libro de Isaac Asimov La Fundación, un libro que leí por primera vez cuando tenía quince años. En él se describe un mundo extraño pero sugestivo, en el que la tecnología está presente en... more
Javier García Martínez ace pocos meses releí el libro de Isaac Asimov La Fundación, un libro que leí por primera vez cuando tenía quince años. En él se describe un mundo extraño pero sugestivo, en el que la tecnología está presente en cada aspecto de la vida dando a todo aquel universo imaginario una esperanza de realidad. Al releer el libro, no podía dejar de pensar cómo la tecnología ha ido incorporándose a nuestras vidas a lo largo de los quince años que han pasado desde que leí a este autor por primera vez.
The acylation of 2-methoxynaphthalene (2MN) with acetic anhydride is carried out in the liquid phase in the presence of zeolite beta. Two main products, 1-acetyl-2-methoxynaphthalene (1, 2-AMN) and the desired... more
The acylation of 2-methoxynaphthalene (2MN) with acetic anhydride is carried out in the liquid phase in the presence of zeolite beta. Two main products, 1-acetyl-2-methoxynaphthalene (1, 2-AMN) and the desired 2-acetyl-6-methoxynaphthalene (2, 6-AMN) are obtained. Variations of reaction temperature, the concentration of the acylating agent, and the weight of the catalyst are investigated to find reaction conditions sufficient to provide for good conversion of 2MN and limited deactivation.
Silicalite-1 layers were successfully grown by standard hydrothermal syntheses on macroporous carbon discs and tested as membranes. All the carbon supports were previously oxidized to favor the anchoring of the zeolite-like material. The... more
Silicalite-1 layers were successfully grown by standard hydrothermal syntheses on macroporous carbon discs and tested as membranes. All the carbon supports were previously oxidized to favor the anchoring of the zeolite-like material. The silicalite-1 crystals were synthesized using different templates, pHs, ageing times, and hydrothermal synthesis times and temperatures.
Incorporation of various Pd (II) complexes into the framework of MSU-X mesoporous silica has been achieved by co-condensation using a facile solvent-free one-pot synthesis. The use of ligands with triethoxysilyl terminal groups permitted... more
Incorporation of various Pd (II) complexes into the framework of MSU-X mesoporous silica has been achieved by co-condensation using a facile solvent-free one-pot synthesis. The use of ligands with triethoxysilyl terminal groups permitted the synthesis of three different metallosilanes precursors (metal complexes with ligands containing trialkoxysilane terminal groups), which allow for the homogeneous in situ incorporation of metal complexes covalently bonded to the porous support.
In 2011, the International Year of Chemistry,* school students around the world will be invited to explore one of Earth's most critical resources, water. The results of their investigations will contribute to a Global Experiment, which... more
In 2011, the International Year of Chemistry,* school students around the world will be invited to explore one of Earth's most critical resources, water. The results of their investigations will contribute to a Global Experiment, which will possibly become the biggest chemistry experiment ever.
Abstract The present study is devoted to the transformation of conformed ashes to zeolites by hydrothermal synthesis. A wide range of experimental conditions was tested to prepare selectively zeolites with different structures. Four... more
Abstract The present study is devoted to the transformation of conformed ashes to zeolites by hydrothermal synthesis. A wide range of experimental conditions was tested to prepare selectively zeolites with different structures. Four different zeolites were synthesised: Na-P1, analcime, cancrinite and sodalite. Stabilisation of the cancrinite phase was achieved by modification of the silica/alumina ratio of the synthesis mixture.
Controlled mesoporosity is successfully introduced into zeolite Y crystals through a surfactant templating approach. The mesoporous zeolite shows superb hydrothermal stability in the resulting mesostructure, while retaining strong... more
Controlled mesoporosity is successfully introduced into zeolite Y crystals through a surfactant templating approach. The mesoporous zeolite shows superb hydrothermal stability in the resulting mesostructure, while retaining strong acidity. Fluid catalytic cracking catalysts made from the mesostructured Y zeolites demonstrate significant improvement in product selectivity as a result of reduced limitation in reactant and product diffusion.
Abstract Interconnected silica spheres (ISS) with hexagonally ordered mesopores have been synthesized with only a quarter of the total amount of surfactant used in the most surfactant-effective synthesis reported to date, ie a... more
Abstract Interconnected silica spheres (ISS) with hexagonally ordered mesopores have been synthesized with only a quarter of the total amount of surfactant used in the most surfactant-effective synthesis reported to date, ie a surfactant/silica molar ratio of 0.03. A MCM-41-type silica material with spherical core/shell morphology and an average particle size of ca. 250 nm was produced using a simple one-pot hydrothermal step.
The meeting was called to order by Division President West at ca. 9: 20 am on Saturday, August 4, 2007. After a round of introductions, West welcomed the members and guests to the meeting and gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on IUPAC... more
The meeting was called to order by Division President West at ca. 9: 20 am on Saturday, August 4, 2007. After a round of introductions, West welcomed the members and guests to the meeting and gave a brief PowerPoint presentation on IUPAC and on the Inorganic Chemistry Division for the benefit of the first-time attendees.
Abstract The use of bioactive nanostructured TiO2 has recently been proposed for improving orthopaedic implant adhesion due to its improved biocompatibility with bone, since it induces:(i) osteoblast function,(ii) apatite nucleation and... more
Abstract The use of bioactive nanostructured TiO2 has recently been proposed for improving orthopaedic implant adhesion due to its improved biocompatibility with bone, since it induces:(i) osteoblast function,(ii) apatite nucleation and (iii) protein adsorption. The present work focuses on a non-ionizing radiation emitting technique for quantifying in real time the improvement in terms of mechanical properties of the surrounding bone due to the presence of the nanostructured TiO2 prepared by controlled precipitation and acid ageing.
Novel magnetically separable TiO2-guanidine-(Ni, Co) Fe2O4 nanomaterials were prepared and characterised by a series of techniques including XRD, SEM, TEM, N2 physisorption as well as XPS and subsequently tested for their photocatalytic... more
Novel magnetically separable TiO2-guanidine-(Ni, Co) Fe2O4 nanomaterials were prepared and characterised by a series of techniques including XRD, SEM, TEM, N2 physisorption as well as XPS and subsequently tested for their photocatalytic activities in the selective transformation of malic acid in aqueous solution.
Monodisperse Pd nanoparticles were prepared by controlled reduction in organic phase and subsequent transfer to aqueous phase. A systematic study was carried out to finely tune nanoparticle size and optimize particle size distribution.... more
Monodisperse Pd nanoparticles were prepared by controlled reduction in organic phase and subsequent transfer to aqueous phase. A systematic study was carried out to finely tune nanoparticle size and optimize particle size distribution. The use of 4-dimethylaminopyridine as a transfer agent allowed for the easy and quantitative extraction of the Pd to the aqueous phase. The quaternary amine-functionalized metal nanoparticles were then used as metallic micelle replicas to grow silica around them.
Background Nomenclature and terminology should always create added value. They are tools to incorporate new results into the greater weave of science and enable us to go from the specific to the general. New terminology should also help... more
Background Nomenclature and terminology should always create added value. They are tools to incorporate new results into the greater weave of science and enable us to go from the specific to the general. New terminology should also help us to constructively discuss new compounds, materials and phenomena without having to proceed through endless preambles of definitions.
In 2011, the International Year of Chemistry, school students around the world will be invited to explore one of Earth&amp;#x27;s most critical resources, water. The results of their investigations will contribute to a Global Experiment,... more
In 2011, the International Year of Chemistry, school students around the world will be invited to explore one of Earth&amp;#x27;s most critical resources, water. The results of their investigations will contribute to a Global Experiment, which will possibly become the biggest chemistry ...

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