CONSORTIUM
CARBOWAVE Partners
University of Valencia
The University of Valencia is one of the oldest and largest universities in Spain, being among the “top 10” in the country in Chemistry and Materials Science, according to Shanghai’s Ranking 2023. The Institute of Materials Science at the University of Valencia (ICMUV), placed at the Scientific Park of the university, is a multidisciplinary research center focused on the synergy between the fundamental research in materials science and the societal and industrial challenges. In particular the Macromolecules and Colloids for Sustainable Materials Group (MacroCoSM) at ICMUV conducts research in the design, synthesis, and characterization of various types of polymeric and colloidal materials, including epoxy resins, polyurethanes, organic-inorganic hybrid systems, and conductive polymers. MacroCoSM group also study the preparation and application of microscopic and nanoscopic particles and capsules, whether organic, inorganic, or hybrid. Additionally, MacroCoSM group develop hybrid materials and nanocomposites based on lignocellulosic biomass components, emphasizing the importance of the interface in the compatibility of phases of different nature. Currently, we participate in research projects funded by national and international organizations, such as the Government of Spain, the Generalitat Valenciana, the Max Planck Society (Germany), and private companies. In addition to research activities, MacroCoSM group is also dedicated to training students and young researchers. Over the past years, dozens of motivated undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students have worked in our laboratories before launching into their professional careers.
Dr. Mario Culebras Rubio
Mario Culebras, PhD in Chemistry obtained at the University of Valencia (2017). Mario Culebras currently works as lecturer in the physical chemistry department at the University of Valencia. He is also part of the Institute of Material Science at the University of Valencia where he is doing research focused on the recovery of biomass residues to produce advanced nanomaterials, publishing more than 80 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 9 patents, 4 book chapters and presenting more than 50 papers at renowned international conferences. In addition, he works on several national and international research projects, being the principal investigator of several of them.
Prof. Rafael Muñoz Espí
Rafael Muñoz-Espí is an Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Valencia, specializing in polymeric and hybrid materials. He earned his Chemistry degree from the same institution before completing his Ph.D. in Germany at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. Following postdoctoral research in the USA, he led the “Polymer/Inorganic Hybrid Colloids” team at the Max Planck Institute from 2009 to 2015. Since joining ICMUV in 2015 as a Ramón y Cajal Senior Fellow, he has contributed extensively to scientific research, authoring over 100 peer-reviewed publications. His research focuses on mineralization, nanoparticle synthesis, and polymer-inorganic interactions. Beyond chemistry, he holds degrees in Catalan linguistics and literature.
Prof. Clara M. Gómez Clari
Clara M. Gómez Clari is a Full Professor in the Department of Physical Chemistry at the University of Valencia (UV), where she also earned her doctorate in 1990 with a thesis on the cosolvency and coprecipitation of polystyrene and polydimethylsiloxane. She is affiliated with the Institute of Materials Science (ICMUV) at UV and actively participates in research groups such as “Condensed Matter and Polymers” and “Macromolecules and Colloids for Sustainable Materials.” Her research interests encompass soft matter and chemical sciences, and she has authored over 140 research papers. In addition to her research activities, Prof. Gómez Clari teaches courses in Physical Chemistry and participates in the mentoring of doctoral and master students.
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