Molins Grau Elies

Biography

Actually, a scientific researcher should play very different roles, mainly if his work would have some social significance. As a scientist, he should make science and worry about his specialty and its progress; this usually means making basic science. He should also give support to public and private entities which develop their activity in sectors of his competency: hospitals, industries, laboratories, etc. He should work in a team, which implies an important effort in formation and qualification of technicians and graduates, who will finally enter in sectors where research is an important aspect. Scientific research today doesn’t have any sense if not performed in a global ambiance, and this also leads to establish and keep contacts around the world. A researcher should participate and give his opinion about the management of science, because he’s a main actor. Finally, society demands information about the scientific advancement, thus also supposes a divulgation task. In my scientific career I have tried to follow all the referred objectives that society demands to scientific researchers and, even if little is done about each one, finally represents a strong dedication. Of course, this can only be done if one enjoys himself by doing it. My research task is centered on what the microscopic structure of materials means about its macroscopic behavior. This general objective rules along three research lines: i) Crystallographic studies by X-ray diffraction: obtaining precise electron densities and analysis of their topology, crystal structure, polymorph analysis, chemical bonding. ii) Studies on iron-containing materials by Mössbauer spectroscopy: magnetism of small particles and polynuclear complexes, instrumentation. iii) Studies on aerogels and related porous materials: preparation, characterization, properties and applications. For instance, we have established links between the topology of the electron density and the chemical bond energetics and we are preparing materials useful as catalysts in liquid (for synthetic purposes) and gas phases (materials for energy).

Research Interest

Aerogels, preparation, properties and applications (currently, on catalysis). Nanocompositing porous materials. Cryogels.