RESEARCH
ANSyD is short for active nanomaterials synthesis and devices with research activities focused on materials that express instantaneous, reversible change in properties upon application of an external perturbation.
Light-matter interaction
One of the research under this umbrella explores the integration of wavelength-selective semi-transparent photovoltaics into agriculture and civil structures to establish climate-resilient, net-zero energy food production and comfortable ambient indoor environment. By leveraging the unique bandgap tunability of light harvesting materials, these systems can selectively transmit the spectral bands essential for the complementary supported processes while simultaneously harvesting the remaining solar energy for electricity. (keywords: photovoltaics, photoelectrochemicstry, photonic light scattering, inorganic and molecular, organometallic hybrid nanostructures)
Our group also work on plasmonic nanomaterials designed to improve fluorescence-based detection, which is widely used in biomedical fields for tasks such as imaging and detection with high sensitivity and selectivity. To improve analytical methods, signal intensities, photobleaching, etc, are addressed in several key areas - increasing the quantum yield and photostability of fluorophores, "optimizing" processing window for shell thickness, utilizing advanced fluorophores, despite existing studies, the integration of core-shell nanocomposites in biosensing applications can be further explored. This study aims to fill that gap by investigating the synthesis and fluorescence enhancement properties of these specific hybrid materials. (keywords: plasmonic nanoparticles, photothermal, fluorescence)
In addition, we built a monte carlo based simulation software to model effects of high-energy photons in various materials which can be user defined in the software. This tool can be used to determine the feasibility of various materials in these applications. (keywords: Gamma radiation - detectors and shield materials)
Active materials
The field of photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar fuel production focuses on capturing and storing the sun's virtually limitless energy in the chemical bonds of "solar fuels," a process often referred to as artificial photosynthesis. This research is driven by the need to convert intermittent solar power into transportable and storable forms. At the heart of this technology is the semiconductor photoelectrode, which must simultaneously absorb sunlight, separate photogenerated charges, and catalyze surface reactions to break and make chemical bonds. We are working on semiconducting transition metal oxides because they are low-cost, earth-abundant, and non-toxic with the introduction of mechanical stresses to improved charge separation and transport. (keywords: piezo-photocatalysis, topology optimization, piezoelectric)
Metallurgy and mining related
This section of our research aims to make mineral extraction technologies more environmentally benign through development of methods for wastewater treatment, extraction from secondary sources, and alternative applications of common minerals. (keywords: circular economy, wastewater treatment, metal recycling)
Research support
- Prof. Pornillos Professorial Chair in Mining
- UP System Grants
- UP Diliman Research Grants
- UPEngineering Research and Development Foundation Inc.
- DOST-Philippine council for Health Research and Development
- MECOTECO Ph-Tw Joint Research Project
- Murata Science Foundation
- WD
- DOST-Engineering Research and Development for Technology
- DOST-Philippine Council for Indusrty, Eenergy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development
Collaborators
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute
- Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
- University of Houston
- UP Institute of Chemistry
- UPLB Crop Science
- National Tsing Hua University
- National Sun Yat-Sen University