Alonso Martin, Julio Alfonso

Biography

 Alonso Matín was the first Spanish scientist to systematically apply the Density Functional Theory (DFT) for these simulations, and the Group of Physics of Nanostructures that he directs in the University of Valladolid is known internationally for his contributions in the development and application of this theory to diverse materials. The research lines of this group develop the interaction with atoms and molecules of the carbon nanotubes, with the dual objective of developing chemical sensors based on these materials that present high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of different gases, as well as the separation and selection of the nanotubes by their size and metallic or semiconductor character for possible technological applications for example in nanoelectronics.  Another of the lines investigates the absorption of hydrogen in materials and intends to study hydrogen storage technologies that allow its use as a clean energy source to replace gasoline. The Nanostructures Physics group also studies the structure of nanosized atomic aggregates as well as the assembly of nanostructures to design new nanostructured materials with properties adapted to different technological applications and the catalytic properties of nanoaggregates of gold.  The main achievements are the realistic description of the possibilities of carbon nanotubes in hydrogen storage and the description of the electromechanical properties of small carbon aggregates and carbon nanotubes. Finally, the group has also theoretically demonstrated the high structural and thermal stability of a type of polymer doped with silicon suggesting the possibility of developing new materials based on these polymers.     Research background Julio Alfonso Alonso (Valladolid 1948) began his career at the University of Valladolid, work that continued at the University of Pennsylvania and later also worked as a visiting professor at the universities of Osnabrück (Germany), East Anglia (Great Britain), Queens ), the International Center for Theoretical Physics at Triestre and at Donostia International Physics Center in San Sebastian. His work is supported by some 4,000 citations to his publications.  In his almost 350 publications (research articles, review articles and chapters, popular articles and books), Professor Alonso's research trajectory shows important and pioneering contributions to Atomic and Molecular Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Physics of Materials and Nanoscience.

Research Interest

 Nanochemistry  Nanoparticles  Nanotubes