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SSC RESEARCH LINE

Electrochemistry and Electroactive Materials

Electrochemical materials design, redox transformations, electroactive interfaces and bioelectrochemical systems for energy, functional materials and neural applications.

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Solid State Chemistry Unit
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Electrochemistry as a route to functional materials

The Electrochemistry and Electroactive Materials research line develops electrochemical methods for preparing new materials and tuning their physical and chemical properties under soft synthesis conditions.

The line focuses on mixed valence and mixed ionic-electronic conducting systems, electrochemical doping, intercalation, electrodeposition, bipolar electrochemistry and electroactive interfaces for energy storage, functional oxides and biological applications.

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Electrochemical oxygen intercalation and solid-state transformations enable controlled modification of structure and physical properties.

Research focus

A materials chemistry platform connecting electrochemical synthesis, functional oxides, electroactive coatings, biointerfaces and energy-storage concepts.

Soft electrochemical synthesis

Intercalation & Doping

Electrochemical oxygen intercalation, cation/anion doping and mixed-valence control in oxide and layered systems.
Solid-state transformations

Electrochemical Phase Control

Room-temperature electrochemically induced structural transformations and new solid-state phases.
Functional coatings

Electrodeposition

Electrodeposition, electrophoresis and coatings for superconductors, oxides, hybrids and electroactive interfaces.
Neural systems

Bioelectrochemistry

Electroactive materials and large-charge-capacity electrodes for neural growth, repair and electrostimulation.
Wireless electrochemistry

Bipolar Effects

Redox-gradient materials, induced dipoles and bipolar electrochemistry for energy and bioelectronic systems.
Energy materials

Storage & Catalysis

Electroactive phases for batteries, supercapacitors, O₂ evolution, CO₂ reduction and redox-mediated systems.

Principal investigator

CONTACT
Prof. Nieves Casañ-Pastor
Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Barcelona, CSIC
Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
+34 93 5801853 ext 275
Researcher ID: http://www.researcherid.com/rid/J-9137-2014
H 33
i10 87
For further contact : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Research details and representative case studies

Detailed scientific content from the original research line, reorganised in a cleaner institutional layout while preserving images, references and technical information.

DETAILS

1.- Intercalation processes that lead to notable changes in physical properties in bulk and thin layer forms lead to electrodes of various configurations that can be applied in tuning of materials properties, structure, energy storage, transport or in biological applications.

Electrochemical Oxygen intercalation at room temperature

Open framework oxides allow intercalation processes that in some cases include oxygen ions if the mobility of them is possible. That is so in most of the copper oxides that are superconducting. The control of the oxygen stoichiometry makes possible a control of their physical properties. Even at room temperature, electrochemical methods allow induction of superconductivity or big changes in magnetism by doping. ECQM studies show that the actual insertion is a superoxide/peroxide type of oxygen, that if heated is transformed in oxide.

Evidence of Oxygen Mobility at low temperature by Electrochemical Oxidation of oxides. A Quartz Microbalance Study”

N. Casañ-Pastor*, C.R. Michel, C. Zinck, E.M. Tejada-Rosales, R. Palacin. Chem. Mater.. (2001) 13, 2118-2126

Dramatic Change in Magnetic Properties of Manganates Ca2-xLnxMnO4 by Low Temperature Electrochemical Oxidation in Fused Nitrates”  C.R. Michel, R. Amigó and N. Casañ-Pastor*,   Chem. Materials   (1999), 11, 195-197

La2-xSrxCuO4 structure in which oxygen intercalation is possible by electrochemical oxidation resulting in induction of superconducting properties with higher Tc values. The Mn equivalent behaves equally, resulting in dramatic changes in its magnetic properties

Direct RT electrochemical solid state transformation of   Ag2Cu2O3 into Ag2Cu2O4

Electrochemical solid state transformations at room temperature

The same electrochemical treatment induces structure transformations in solid state at room temperature. Ej. Ag2Cu2O3 to Ag2Cu2O4 as shown below 1 O atom “intercalated” per unit formula. Pass from a 3D structure to a 2D one at r.t. !!!!; The final phase is a peculiar case where all elements are shown to be in mixed valence states.

Electronic Structure of Ag2Cu2O4 and its precursor Ag2Cu2O3. Oxidized mixed valence silver and copper and internal valence fluctuations”

Muñoz-Rojas, G. Subías, J. Fraxedas, P. Gómez-Romero, N. Casañ-Pastor. J. Phys. Chem B (2005), 109, 6193-6203

Other soft chemistry methods : Low T Hydrothermal inducing oxidation state effects in nanostructure

Ag2CuMnO4 represents the first delafossite with Cu/Mn ordered with a 2D structure . Ferromagnetic coupling within the layers is coupled with Antiferromagnetic exchange among layers joined by Ag ions

Ag2CuMnO4 :  A new Silver Copper Oxide with Delafossite Structure 

Muñoz-Rojas, G. Subías, M. Casas-Cabanas, J. Fraxedas, J. Oro-Sole, R. I. Walton, E. García, J. Gonzalez-Calbet, B. Martínez, and N. Casañ-Pastor*, Solid State Chem. (2006) 179, 3883–3892

Ag2Cu3Cr2O8(OH)4:A new bidimensional silver-copper mixed -oxyhydroxide with in-plane ferromagnetic coupling

Dalton Transactions, 2016, DOI: 10.1039/C6DT03986C
Oxidazing conditions render layered Silver-Copper oxides . In some cases are metallic, Ag2Cu2O4, in some others , ferromagnetic, Ag2CuMnO4 or Ag2Cu3Cr2O8(OH)4. In the last two cases, a significant difference lies on the connection among Cu-O layers. In one case direct bonding through Ag orbitals allows further antiferromagnetic coupling at lower temperatires, rendering a ferro-antiferrotransition. In the other Cu-O layers behave as completely isolated from each other.

Ag2Cu3Cr2O8(OH)4:A new bidimensional silver-copper mixed -oxyhydroxide with in-plane ferromagnetic coupling, Nieves Casañ-Pastor*, Jordi Rius, Oriol Vallcorba, Inma Peral, Judith Oró-Solé, Daniel S. Cook, Richard I. Walton, Alberto García, David Muñoz-Rojas, 

Dalton Transactions, 46, 2017, 1093-1104,

Ag2CuMnO4 represents the first delafossite with Cu/Mn ordered with a 2D structure . Ferromagnetic coupling within the layers is coupled with Antiferromagnetic exchange among layers joined by Ag ions

Electrochemically exfoliated graphene in non -surfactant aqueous media

Electrochemical exfoliation of Graphite to yield Pristine Graphene

Anodic exfoliation in presence of surfactants or without them , has been possible from Carbon in the form of graphite. The pristine graphene obtained shows no defects as compared with the reduced graphene oxide, and has yielded a series of hybrid materials with a superior charge capacity useful in supercapacitors and electrostimulation electrodes

The synthesis of graphene sheets with controlled thickness and order using surfactant-assisted       electrochemical processes, Alanyologlu, J. Oró, N. Casañ-Pastor*, Carbon, 50,  2012 , 142-152

Electrochemical reduction of Polyoxometalates, nanoclusters of W and Mo containing heteroatoms (Co, V, Mn, etc)

In the past the multielectron redox process has allowed to elucidate the influence of delocalized electrons in the magnetic properties at the nanoscale. Such study  has been the base of the new studies of the role of POM in redox batteries and as mediators in O2 evolution, and in M-O2 cells

Magnetic Properties of Mixed-Valence Heteropoly Blues. Interactions within Complexes Containing Paramagnetic Atoms in Various Sites as Well as “Blue” Electrons Delocalized over Polytungstate Frameworks” N. Casañ-Pastor and L.C.W. Baker, J. Am. Chem. Soc., (1992), 114, 10384-94. 

Using polyoxometalates to enhance the capacity of lithium-oxygen batteries.Tom Homewooda, James T. Fritha, Nieves Casañ-Pastorb, Dino Tontib ,John R. Owena, Nuria Garcia-Araeza.Chem. Comm.  54   (69) , 2018,  9599-9602   

Electrochemically exfoliated graphene in non -surfactant aqueous media

Electrodeposition methods

Reduction of metal precursors in presence of complexing agents, and further annealing has allowed the synthesis of YBa2Cu3O7 on Ag wires. As an alternative electrophoresis of suspensions of the preformed oxide also yields coatings of the oxide as shown in the figure. The opposite electrodeposition, Ag on the oxide , difficult for the rich redox chemistry of the oxide , is also possible in certain conditions

Deposition of YBa2Cu3O7-d over Metallic Wires by Electrophoresis of Suspensions in Isobutylmethylketone. Influence of electric field, thermal and mechanical treatments"

Ondoño-Castillo, N. Casañ-Pastor, *    Physica C  (1996), 268, 317-333

Superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-d  Wires by Simultaneous Electrodeposition of Y, Ba and Cu in Presence of Cyanide" S.Ondoño-Castillo, A. Fuertes, F. Perez, P. Gomez-Romero, N. Casañ-Pastor*,  Chem. Materials  (1995), 7, 771

Electroactive materials for biological applications.

Interfase studies with neural systems and Electrostimulation

IrOx electrodeposited transparent coatings as the best substrates for neural growth in absence of electric fields and in presence of them when amorphous. Thermal evolution results in rutile structures. A channel spongy- like original oxohydroxide results: IrOx(OH)y.nH2O with a local rutile-like structure. Dynamic deposition has allowed a fourfould increase in charge capacity for this iridium oxide, and fully improved adhesion to the substrate.

Iridium Oxohydroxide, a Significant Member in the Family of Iridium Oxides.            Stoichiometry, Characterization, and Implications in Bioelectrodes, M. Cruz, Ll. Abad, N. M. Carretero, J. Moral-Vico, J. Fraxedas, P. Lozano, G. Subías, V. Padial, M. Carballo, J. E. Collazos-Castro, and N. Casañ-Pastor*; Phys. Chem. C , 116 , 2012, 5155–5168

Cell culture studies on neural cortex cells from rat embryo , show survival above controls in IrOx coatings
(collaboration with HNP Toledo and IIBB-CSIC)

Conducting polymers based on polypyrrole or PEDOT with various counterions. Best cell growth when counterion is an aminoacid.

Thin coatings and interdigitated patterns as substrates for cell growth in absence and presence of electric fields

Cells survive significantly better in aminoacid containing polymers (collaboration with IIBB-CSIC)

Short term electrostimulation enhancing neural repair in vitro using large charge capacity intercalation electrodes, P. Lichtenstein, E. Pérez, L. Ballesteros, C. Suñol, N. Casañ-Pastor*, Applied Materials Today, 6, 2017, 29-43

IrOx-nanocarbon Hybrids

IrOx-Pristine Graphene Hybrids as Electrostimulation Electrodes: Enhancement of neural repair under short term DC electric field. The electrode material changes the magnitude of the effect

Neuronal scratch response to ELECTRIC FIELD DC applications. And neurotransmitters release under field effects using IrOx-Graphene nanostructured electrodes

Large charge capacity electrodes such as IrOx-graphene  allow DC electrostimulation without secondary effects due to radical formation. In that case, neurite extension is greatly enhanced above the effects of standard electrodes. Neurotransmitter release shows an enhancement in neural function under the electric field.

Short term electrostimulation enhancing neural repair in vitro using large charge capacity intercalation electrodes. P. Lichtenstein, E. Pérez, L. Ballesteros, C. Suñol, N. Casañ-Pastor*, Applied Materials Today, 6, 2017, 29-43

Bipolar electrochemistry effects in biosystems and electrochemical energy storage devices:

Electrostimulation may be induced indirectly with a conducting un-connected substrate , an observation that opens up a new way of thinking on implants in biological systems

  • Controlling Nerve Growth with an Electric Field Induced Indirectly in Transparent Conductive Substrate Materials. Ann M. Rajnicek, Zhiqiang Zhao, Javier Moral-Vico, Ana M. Cruz, Colin D. McCaig and Nieves Casañ-Pastor*. Advanced HealthCare Mat.  7,  2018, 1800473. DOI: 10.1002/ adhm.201800473

Redox Gradient Materials and Bipolar Electrochemistry

Electrical gradients acting on neural growth

Induction of oscillations

Induction of ferromagnetism

Energy storage devices, and O2 evolution, water splitting

Iridium oxide redox gradient material: Operando X Ray absorption of Ir gradient oxidation states during IrOx bipolar electrochemistry.   Laura Fuentes-Rodriguez, Llibertat Abad, Laura Simonelli, Dino Tonti, N. Casañ-Pastor*  J. Phys. Chem. C, J. Phys. Chem. C,  2021 , 125 (30), 16629-16642

Nanostructured Electroactive Materials with Large Charge Capacity: Direct Field Electrostimulation through Connected and Non-connected Electrodes Ann M. Rajnicek, Cristina Suñol and Nieves Casan-Pastor*   DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-81400-7_5. Chapter 5 (pages 99-125) in “Engineering Biomaterials for Neural Applications. Targeting traumatic Brain and spinal cord Injuries”.     Ed. Lopez-Dolado, Serrano MC, Springer Nature. In press. 11/04/2022 release. Online ISBN978-3-030-81400-7. Print ISBN978-3-030-81399-4.  311 pages- Book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-81400-7.  Chapter link:  https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-81400-7_5#citeas

Induced dipoles and Possible modulation of Wireless effects in implanted electrodes. Effects of implanting insulated electrodes on an animal test to screen antidepressant activity. Perez-Caballero, H. Carceller, J. Nacher, V. Teruel-Marti, E. Pujades , N. Casañ-Pastor*, E. Berrocoso*. Clinical Medicine, 2021, 10, 4003. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10174003

Dramatic drop in cell resistance through induced dipoles and bipolar electrochemistry. Fuentes-Rodríguez, Ll. Abad, E. Pujades, P. Gómez-Romero, D. Tonti, N. Casañ-Pastor*, Electrochem. Soc., 2022 , 169, 016508. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac492d

Oscillatory Patterns in Redox Gradient Materials through Wireless Bipolar Electrochemistry. The dynamic wave-like case of copper bipolar oxidation. L.Fuentes-Rodríguez , E. Pujades , J. Fraxedas , A. Crespi , K. Xu , L. Abad , N. Casañ-Pastor* Materials Chemistry Frontiers ,  2022, 6, 2284 – 2296. DOI: 10.1039/D2QM00482H   

Wireless magneto-ionics: voltage control of magnetism by bipolar electrochemistry . Zheng Ma1, Laura Fuentes-Rodriguez2,3, Zhengwei Tan1, Eva Pellicer1, Llibertat Abad3, Javier Herrero-Martín4, Enric Menéndez1*, Nieves Casañ-Pastor2* and Jordi Sort1,5* Nature Comm, 14, 6486, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42206-5

Wireless control of nerve growth using bipolar electrodes: a new paradigm in electrostimulation.    Ann Rajnicek and N. Casañ-Pastor*, Biomaterials Science, 2024, 12, 2180 – 2202  Accepted feb 6, 2024 , DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01946b. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2023/bm/d3bm01946b

Induced electric wireless effects on energy storage: bipolar electrochemistry effects on Cu/Zn batteries performance, M. Mosqueda, C. Flox, L.N. Bengoa, S.M. Goñi, N. Casañ-Pastor*, J. Power Sources, 624,  2024, 235459. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235459

 

Bipolar electrochemistry may enhance charge capacity, power lowering overpotentials in Batteries. Here an example of Cu/Zn cell

Equipment

  • PAR 273 A potentiostat (1A, 100V)
  • PAR 263 A potentiostat (100 mA, 20V)
  • Biologic VMP, VSP, potentiostats including impedance channels
  • Electrophoresis power source (1000 V, 500 mA)
  • Electrochemical Quartz Microbalance SEIKO coupled to both PAR and Biologic
  • Faraday cage
  • Scanning Elctrochemical Microscopy system including bipotentiostat and scanning system, and cell under development
  • Contact angle measurements
  • Electrodeposition and electrochemical cells of various geometries (homemade)
  • Spin coating system , up to 6000 rpm, for aqueous and some organic solvents
  • Finger ultrasound with cage and noise reduction
  • Parr bombs 10  and 30 cm height
  • Vertical 3-zone oven for high  T electrochemistry and atmosphere control

Publications

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

The Vanadyl Phosphate Dihydrate, a Solid Acid: The Role of Water in VOPO4.2H2O and Its Sodium Derivatives           Nax(V(IV)xV(V)1-xO)PO4.(2-x)H2O.” N. Casan, P. Amorós, R. Ibañez, E. Martinez-Tamayo, A. Beltran-Porter and D. Beltran-Porter. J. Inclusion Phenomena, (1988), 6, 193-211.

Ring Currents in Wholly Inorganic Heteropoly Blue Complexes. Evaluation by a Modification of Evans’s Susceptibility Method.”, M. Kozik, N. Casan-Pastor, C.F. Hammer and L.C.W. Baker,    J. Am. Chem. Soc., (1988), 110, 7697-7701

“Magnetic Properties of Mixed-Valence Heteropoly Blues. Interactions within Complexes Containing Paramagnetic Atoms in Various Sites as Well as “Blue” Electrons Delocalized over Polytungstate Frameworks” N. Casañ-Pastor and L.C.W. Baker, J. Am. Chem. Soc., (1992), 114, 10384-94

“First Ferromagnetic Interaction in a Heteropoly Complex: [Co4O14(H2O)2(PW9O27)2]10-. Experiment and Theory for Intramolecular Anisotropic Exchange Involving the Four Co(II) Atoms.” N. Casan-Pastor, J. Bas-Serra, E. Coronado, G. Pourroy and L.C.W. Baker, J. Am. Chem. Soc., (1992), 114, 10380-3.

“Electrochemical Oxidation of Lanthanum Cuprates. Superconductivity vs Thermal Treatment in La2CuO4+d. N. Casañ-Pastor, P. Gomez-Romero, A. Fuertes, J.M. Navarro, M.J. Sanchis, S. Ondoño-Castillo Physica C, (1993), 216 478-490

“Superconducting YBa2Cu3O7-d Wires by Simultaneous Electrodeposition of Y, Ba and Cu in Presence of Cyanide” S.Ondoño-Castillo, A. Fuertes, F. Perez, P. Gomez-Romero, N. Casañ-Pastor. Chem. Materials (1995), 7, 771

“Chemical Polymerization of Polyaniline and Polypyrrole by Phosphomolybdic Acid. In situ Formation of Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Materials” P. Gómez-Romero, N. Casañ-Pastor, M. Lira-Cantú Solid State Ionics (1997) 101-103, 875

“Dramatic Change in Magnetic Properties of Manganates Ca2-xLnxMnO4 by Low Temperature Electrochemical Oxidation in Fused Nitrates” C.R. Michel, R. Amigó and N. Casañ-Pastor. Chem. Materials (1999), 11, 195-197

“Evidence of Oxygen Mobility at low temperature by Electrochemical Oxidation of oxides. A Quartz Microbalance Study” N. Casañ-Pastor, C.R. Michel, C. Zinck, E.M. Tejada-Rosales.Chem. Mater.. (2001) 13, 2118-2126

Electrochemically induced reversible solid state reversible transformations: Electrosynthesis of Ag2Cu2O4 by room temperature oxidation of Ag2Cu2O3 D. Muñoz-Rojas, J. Oró, J. Fraxedas, P. Gómez-Romero, J. Fraxedas, N. Casañ-Pastor Electrochem. Comm. 4, (2002) , 684-689

“POLYOXOMETALATES: FROM INORGANIC CHEMISTRY TO MATERIALS SCIENCE” (review) N. Casañ-Pastor, P. Gómez-Romero. Frontiers in Bioscience 9, 1759-1770, 2004

Electronic Structure of Ag2Cu2O4 and its precursor Ag2Cu2O3. Oxidized mixed valence silver and copper and internal valence fluctuations” D. Muñoz-Rojas, G. Subías, J. Fraxedas, P. Gómez-Romero, N. Casañ-Pastor, J. Phys. Chem B (2005), 109, 6193-6203

“High Quality Silver Contacts on Ceramic Superconductors Obtained by Electrodeposition from Non aqueous Solvents” L. Angurel, J.M. Andrés, D. Muñoz- Rojas, N. Casañ-Pastor, .Supercond. Sci. Tecn.  (2005), 18, 135-141

Ag2CuMnO4 : A new Silver Copper Oxide with Delafossite Structure.D. Muñoz-Rojas, G. Subí­as, M. Casas-Cabanas, J. Fraxedas, J. Oro-Sole, R. I. Walton, E. Garcí­a, J. Gonzalez-Calbet, B. Martí­nez, and N. Casañ-Pastor* J. Solid State Chem. (2006) 179, 3883-3892

Electrochemically Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes and their Application to Rechargeable Lithium Batteries,M. Baibarac,* M. Lira-Cantú, J. Oró Sol, N. Casañ-Pastor and  P. Gomez-Romero* Small:, 2006 ,  2, 1075-1082

“Transport properties and Lithium Insertion study in the p-type Semiconductors AgCuO2 and AgCu0.5Mn0.5O2” F. Sauvage, D Muñoz-Rojas, K. Poeppelmeier, N. Casañ-Pastor. J. Solid State Chemistry , 2009, 182 , 374-382.

Neural Cell growth on Anatase TiO2 Coatings ” J. Collazos-Castro, A.M. Cruz, LL. Abad, J. Fraxedas, M. Lira-Cantú, M. Carballo-Vila, A. Pego, C. Fonseca, A. Sanjoan, N. Casañ-Pastor* Thin Solid Films , 518, (2009) 160-170

Rutile substrata for Neural Cell Growth. Mónica Carballo-Vila, Berta Moreno-Burriel, Jose R. Jurado, Eva Chinarro, A. Perez, Nieves Casañ-Pastor, and Jorge E. Collazos-Castro*Journal of Biomedical Materials Research: Part A, 90 (2009) 94-105

High Conductivity in hydrothermally-grown AgCuO2 single crystals verified using FIB-deposited nanocontacts. D. Muñoz-Rojas, R. Cordoba, A. Fern¡ndez-Pacheco, J. M. De Teresa, G. Sauthier, J. Fraxedas, R. I. Walton, N. Casañ-Pastor. Inorganic Chemistry, 49, 2010, 10977

The synthesis of graphene sheets with controlled thickness and order using surfactant-assisted electrochemical processes M. Alanyologlu, J. Oró, N. Casañ-Pastor. Carbon, 50, 2012 , 142. MOST CITED

Iridium Oxohydroxide, a Significant Member in the Family of Iridium Oxides. Stoichiometry, Characterization, and Implications in Bioelectrodes.A. M. Cruz, Ll. Abad, N. M. Carretero, J. Moral-Vico, J. Fraxedas, P. Lozano, G. Subi­as, V. Padial, M. Carballo, J. E. Collazos-Castro, and N. Casañ-Pastor*;J. Phys. Chem. C , 116 , 2012, 5155-–5168

Iridium Oxide sensor for biomedical applications. Case urea-urease in real urine samplesElisabet Prats-Alfonso; Llibertat Abad; Nieves Casan-Pastor; Javier Gonzalo-Ruiz; Eva Baldrich Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 39, 2013, 163-169 

Graded conducting titanium-iridium oxide coatings for bioelectrodes in neural systemsA.M. Cruz, N. Casañ-Pastor Thin Solid Films, 534, 2013,  316-324

Dynamic electrodeposition of aminoacid-polypyrrole on aminoacid-PEDOT substrates: Conducting polymer bilayers as electrodes in neural systems.“J. Moral-Vico, N. M. Carretero, E. Perez, C. Suñol, M. Lichtenstein,  N. Casañ-Pastor  , Electrochim. Acta  111 (2013),  250-260

Nanocomposites of iridium oxide and conducting polymers as electroactive phases in biological  media.J. Moral-Vico,, S. Sanchez-Redondo, E. Perez, M. Lichtenstein, C. Suñol,  N. Casañ-Pastor. Acta Biomaterialia, 10 (2014) 2177-218

IrOx-Carbon Nanotubes Hybrid:A Nanostructured Material for Electrodes with Increased Charge Capacity in Neural systems.  Nina M. Carretero, Mathieu P. Lichtenstein, Estela Perez, Laura Cabana, Cristina Suñol,Nieves Casañ-Pastor*, Acta Biomaterialia, 10, 2014, 4548-4558  .

Enhanced charge capacity in  Iridium Oxide-Graphene Oxide Hybrids.  N. M. Carretero , M. P. Lichtenstein , E. Perez , S. Sandoval , G. Tobias , C. Suñol , N. Casan-Pastor * Electrochimica Acta, 157 (2015) 369-377

Coatings of Nanostructured Pristine Graphene-IrOx Hybrids for Neural Electrodes: Layered Stacking and the role of non-oxygenated Graphene.E. Perez, M. P. Lichtenstein, C. Suñol , N. Casan-Pastor*. Materials Science & Engineering C, 55, 2015, 218-226

A comparative study on surface treatments in the immobilization improvement of hexahistidine-tagged protein on the indium tin oxide surface. M.B. Ismail, N. Casañ-Pastor, E. Pérez, A. Soltani, A. Othmane   J. Nanomed. Nanotechnol. 7 (372), 2016, 1-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2157-7439.1000372.

Short term electrostimulation enhancing neural repair in vitro using large charge capacity nanostructured electrodes. M.P. Lichtenstein, E. Pérez, L. Ballesteros, C. Suñol, N. Casañ-Pastor* Applied Materials Today  6, 2017, 29-43 

Ag2Cu3Cr2O8(OH)4:A new bidimensional silver-copper mixed -oxyhydroxide with in-plane ferromagnetic coupling. Nieves Casañ-Pastor*, Jordi Rius, Oriol Vallcorba, Inma Peral, Judith Oró-Solé, Daniel S. Cook, Richard I. Walton, Alberto García, David Muñoz-Rojas. Dalton Transactions,  46, 2017, 1093-1104, DOI: 10.1039/C6DT03986C

Controlling Nerve Growth with an Electric Field Induced Indirectly in Transparent Conductive Substrate Materials. Ann M. Rajnicek, Zhiqiang Zhao, Javier Moral-Vico, Ana M. Cruz, Colin D. McCaig and Nieves Casañ-Pastor*. Advanced HealthCare Mat.  Accepted June 2018.   DOI: 10.1002/ adhm.20180047

Microstructure and electrical transport in electrodeposited Bi films. J.Moral-Vico, N.Casañ-Pastor, A.Camón, C.Pobes, R.M.Jáudenes, P.Strichovanec and L.Fàbrega. J. Electroanal. Chem. , 832, (2019), 40-47

Using polyoxometalates to enhance the capacity of lithium-oxygen batteries. Tom Homewood, James T. Frith, Nieves Casañ-Pastor, Dino Tonti ,John R. Owen, Nuria Garcia-Araez.  Chem. Comm.  54   (69) , 2018,  9599-9602   .

Electric Field Gradients and Bipolar Electrochemistry effects on Neural Growth. A finite element study on inmersed electroactive conducting electrode materials. Ll. Abad, A. Rajnicek, N. Casañ-Pastor*. Electrochimica Acta , 317 (2019) 102-111 .  

Charge delocalization, oxidation states and silver mobility in the mixed silver-copper oxide AgCuO2. Abel Carreras, Sergio Conejeros, Agustín Camón, Alberto García, Nieves Casañ-Pastor*, Pere Alemany*, Enric Canadell*. Inorg Chem, 58, 2019,  7026-7035.  https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b00662

Nitro-graphene oxide in Iridium Oxide hybrids: Electrochemical modulation of N-graphene redox states and Charge capacities. E. Pérez, N. M. Carretero, S. Sandoval, A. Fuertes, G. Tobias, N. Casañ-Pastor*. Materials Chemistry Frontiers, 4, 2020, 1421 – 143

Nanocarbon-Iridium Oxide Nanostructured Hybrids as Large Charge Capacity Electrostimulation Electrodes for Neural   Repair. N.  Casañ-Pastor. Molecules 2021, 26, 4236..  Special issue: Electrochemical Applications of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials 

Iridium oxide redox gradient material: Operando X Ray absorption of Ir gradient oxidation states during IrOx bipolar electrochemistry. Laura Fuentes-Rodriguez, Llibertat Abad, Laura Simonelli, Dino Tonti, N. Casañ-Pastor*. J. Phys. Chem. C, 2021 , 125 (30), 16629-16642.  DOI:  10.1021/acs.jpcc.1c05012.          

Induced dipoles and Possible modulation of Wireless effects in implanted electrodes. Effects of implanting insulated electrodes on an animal test to screen antidepressant activity. Perez-Caballero, H. Carceller, J. Nacher, V. Teruel-Marti, E. Pujades , N. Casañ-Pastor*, E. Berrocoso* J. Clinical Medicine, 2021, 10, 4003. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10174003. Special issue: “Advances in Neurostimulation: Understanding of the Mechanisms and Clinical Applications”

Dramatic drop in cell resistance through induced dipoles and bipolar electrochemistry. Fuentes-Rodríguez, Ll. Abad, E. Pujades, P. Gómez-Romero, D. Tonti, N. Casañ-Pastor*.J. Electrochem. Soc., 2022 , 169, 016508. https://doi.org/10.1149/1945-7111/ac492d

Nanostructured Electroactive Materials with Large Charge Capacity: Direct Field Electrostimulation through Connected and Non-connected Electrodes. Ann M. Rajnicek, Cristina Suñol and Nieves Casan-Pastor*. in BOOK  “Engineering Biomaterials for Neural Applications. Targeting traumatic Brain and spinal cord Injuries”.     Ed. Lopez-Dolado, Serrano MC, Springer Nature. In press. 11/04/2022 release. Online ISBN978-3-030-81400-7. Print ISBN978-3-030-81399-4

 Oscillatory Patterns in Redox Gradient Materials through Wireless Bipolar Electrochemistry. The dynamic wave-like case of copper bipolar oxidation, L.Fuentes-Rodríguez , E. Pujades , J. Fraxedas , A. Crespi , K. Xu , L. Abad , N. Casañ-Pastor*, Materials Chemistry Frontiers,  2022, 6, 2284 – 2296. DOI: 10.1039/D2QM00482H   

Wireless magneto-ionics: voltage control of magnetism by bipolar electrochemistry . Zheng Ma, Laura Fuentes-Rodriguez, Zhengwei Tan, Enric Menéndez1*, Nieves Casañ-Pastor2* and Jordi Sort1,5*, et al. Nature Comm, 14, 6486, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-42206-5

Wireless control of nerve growth using bipolar electrodes: a new paradigm in electrostimulation.  Ann Rajnicek and N. Casañ-Pastor*, Biomaterials Science, 2024, 12, 2180 – 2202 , DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01946b

Induced electric wireless effects on energy storage: bipolar electrochemistry effects on Cu/Zn batteries performance, M.Mosqueda, C. Flox, L.N. Bengoa, S.M. Goñi, N. Casañ-Pastor*, J. Power Sources, 624,  2024, 235459. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.235459

PATENTS

Pedro Gomez-Romero, Monica Lira, Nieves Casañ-Pastor. “Reversible electrochemical cells using hybrid organic-inorganic electrodes formed by organic conducting polymers and active inorganic species” Patente N. 9500599, OEPM 1995,

P. Gomez-Romero, E. Tejada- Rosales, D. Muñoz-Rojas, N. Casañ-Pastor, G. Mestl, H. J. Wohl. Preparacion de nuevos catalizadores basados en Oxidos de cobre y plata y su uso en catalizadores de oxidacion. Patente N. 20020 309 OEP  8 junio 2002.

N. Casañ-Pastor, M. Lichtenstein, E. Pérez Soler, C. Suñol Esquirol, PROCEDIMIENTO PARA LA IDENTIFICACION DE ELECTRODOS UTILES PARA EL TRATAMIENTO DE LESIONES NEURONALES MEDIANTE UN MODELO DE LESION IN VITRO Y PROTOCOLOS DE ACCIÓN DE CAMPO ELECTRICO. P201531912, presentada 24 dic 2015. 

 

GRANTS RELATED

  • Proyecto MIDAS (CICYT-REDESA-UNESA):
    “Obtencion de hilos Superconductores de Alta Tc por Electrodeposicion de los Metales Constituyentes y por Electroforesis del Oxido Preformado” Investigador Principal: N. Casañ-Pastor. Referencia: 92/1592
  • Proyecto MIDAS (CICYT-REDESA-UNESA):
    “Recubrimientos Superconductores sobre Substratos Metalicos. Obtencion de Hilos Superconductores de Alta Tc por Electrodeposicion y Electroforesis”    Junio 1993-Diciembre 1996
    Investigador Principal: N. Casañ-Pastor. Referencia: 93/2331
  • Proyecto CEE Human Capital and Mobility (Network):
    “Thin Film Inorganic Electrochemical Systems”
    Investigador principal: N. Casañ-Pastor. Coordinador: Donald M. Schleich (ISITEM, Nantes)
    1994-1996.    Referencia: CHRX-CT94-0588
  • Proyecto CICYT: “Tratamiento y puesta en forma de materiales electroceramicos y aislantes mediante métodos electroquímicos y de fusión zonal” Investigador Principal: N. Casañ-Pastor. Colaboración con Germán de la Fuente (ICMA, Zaragoza).  1996-1999. Referencia: MAT96-1057-c02-01
  • Contrato CSIC- Carburos Metálicos: ” CO2 Electrochemical Reduction: The first Step in industrial CO2 Fixation and the Role of Mixed Valent Oxides” Investigador Principal: N. Casañ Pastor. : 1997
  • Contrato CSIC- REE: “Obtención de depositos superconductores de Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox y YBa2Cu3O7 por electrodeposicion y electroforesis”
    IP: Nieves Casañ Pastor
    abril 1997-junio 1998
  • Proyecto PGC  : PB98-0491 : “Obtencion de nuevos Óxidos con dopajes controlados mediante oxidación electroquí­mica y electrocristalización a bajas temperaturas”
    I.P. Nieves Casañ Pastor
     diciembre 1999-diciembre 2002
  • Contrato CSIC- Carburos Metalicos:  “Low-T Mixed Conducting Oxides as Possible Electrodes for Alkaline Fuel Cells”
    I.P. Nieves Casañ Pastor.
    sep 2001- sept 2002
  • CICYT MAT 2005-07683-C02-01 “Materiales Electroactivos  Funcionales: Nuevos Materiales, Energía y Bioactividad”
    Coordinadora e IP del subproyecto 1. : Nieves Casañ-Pastor
    Fechas: 15 octubre 2005 -14 octubre 2008 .
  • NEST Program VI PM European Community: Adventure passed evaluation 6/2005: “DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICE FOR CNS REPAIR” IP. CSIC Nieves Casañ PAstor, coordinated by J. Collazos-Castro (HN Paraplejicos) STREP-Adventure  VI Programa Marco Union Europea“DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICE FOR CNS REPAIR” ”
    IP. CSIC Nieves Casañ Pastor, REf. FP6-2004-NEST-C1  028473 (ref. CSIC NEST/STREP/0746.
    15 nov 2006- 14 nov 2009
  • Proyecto Intramural CSIC PIF 2006 (ref PIF06-021): NEUROMAT:
    “Desarrollo de substratos electroactivos para el crecimiento y supervivencia neuronal”
    Coordinador : Dra. Nieves Casañ-Pastor. Participantes: Inst. Ciencia de Materiales de Barcelona, Dra. Nieves Casañ-Pastor Inst. Microelectronica Barcelona, Centro Nacional Microelectronica CNM, CSIC, Dra. Cecilia Jimenez-Jorquera. Hospital Nacional de Paraplejicos , SESCAM, Dr. Jorge E. Collazos Castro Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, CSIC, Prof. Jose Ramón Jurado. 1 enero 2007 – 31 dic 2008
  • Acción Complementaria MEC  MAT 2007-29316-E, 14 abril 2007-14 abril 2008
    Investigadora principal: Dra. Nieves Casañ Pastor
  • Proyecto PN. MAT 2008-06643-C02-01
    “Interfases de materiales Electroactivos nano y microestructurados con sistemas biologicos”
    IP y coordinadora : Nieves Casañ Pastor.  1 enero 2009- 31 diciembre 2011 .
  • Proyecto PN. MAT2011-24363. ELECTRODOS DE MATERIALES ELECTROACTIVOS NANOESTRUCTURADOS.APLICACIONES BIOMEDICAS Y ENERGETICAS. 1/2012-12/201 IP Nieves Casañ Pastor
  • Proyecto MARATO TV3 2011. Nano-structured Electroactive Materials for Electrodes in Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulation and repair.  1/2012-06/2015. IP y coordinadora Nieves Casañ Pastor.
  • Proyecto Intramural CSIC Ref. 201560E053. Electrodos biocompatibles nanoestructurados, electrodeposición 3D  de hí­bridos de IrOx y carbón y extensión a otros metales. Supercondensadores en bio y energí­a.
  • PN: MAT2015-65192-R, :DESARROLLO DE MATERIALES ELECTROACTIVOS NANOSTRUCTURADOS Y RECUBRIMIENTOS: ELECTRODOS Y ESTIMULACION  ELECTRICA IN VITRO AND IN VIVO.IP. Nieves Casañ Pastor. enero 2016-dic 2018
  • PN Retos: RTI2018-097753-B-I00.  “MATERIALES EN GRADIENTE Y ELECTROQUIMICA DIPOLAR INDUCIDA: EFECTOS CASCADA EN ENERGIA, CATALYSIS Y ELECTROESTIMULACION”      IP1: Nieves Casañ-Pastor, IP2: Llibertat Abad , 2019-2021.
  • Proyecto Marie-Curie EU:  Coordinator of MSCA-IF-EF-SE 101026162 “ELECTRA : REdox fLow batteriEs powered by multi-eleCtron processes maTeRiAls.”   IP CSIC Nieves Casañ-Pastor, with Cristina Flox. . 2022-24
  • Proyecto Generacion de Conocimiento RETOS: PID2021-123276OB-I00, WirelessBipolar Electrochemistry effects in Bioelectrodes, Electrochemical Energy Storage and Electrocatalysis: Redox Gradient Materials, Structural and Nanostructure Gradients Implications in Efficiency and Power. 84000 Euros . sept 1, 2022 – august 31, 2025. IP: Nieves Casañ-Pastor, IP2 Xavier Torrelles.
  • Proyecto TED. Transicion ecologica y Digital. TED2021-130205B-C22 “Polyoxometalate-Enabled Zinc-Air Battery at Near-Neutral pH (POMEZAB)”. IP. Nieves Casañ-Pastor. Coordinado con ICN2 , 1 dic 2022- 30 set 2025. Total proyecto 487000 euros
  • Host at “Women in Science” grant 7th edition. Guest "MIRANDA MENGWI NDIPINGWI" <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Stay 6 months
  • SGR Grup Generalitat UAB-ICMAB 2021-SGR-00651
  • Proyecto Generación de conocimiento RETOS 2024. PID2024-157199OB-C22. CELDAS CINC MULTIQUIMICA A TRAVES DE ELECTROQUIMICA BIPOLAR INDUCIDA. 1/09/2025 a 31/08/2029. Concesion 135000 Euros . IP. Nieves Casañ-Pastor. Coordinado con ICN2 Total 340000 euros

A long-standing electroactive materials platform

The research line has contributed to electrochemical materials synthesis, mixed-valence oxides, superconducting and magnetic phases, electroactive biointerfaces, nanocarbon–iridium oxide hybrids, bipolar electrochemistry and energy-storage concepts.

Its activity connects fundamental solid-state chemistry with advanced applications in energy, bioelectrochemistry and functional materials engineering.

Energy storage

Electroactive phases and bipolar electrochemistry effects.

Biointerfaces

Neural growth, repair and electrostimulation materials.

Functional oxides

Mixed-valence systems and controlled transformations.

Patents & grants

Technology-oriented research and funded projects.