Dottorato in Scienza dei Materiali e Nanotecnologie
** IN EVIDENZA **PhD MeetingTuesday, 20th February 2024 - Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche – Aula A9:00 – 9:10 Opening 9:10 – 9:30 Antonio Brancato “Silver Nanoflowers for single particle SERS application” 9:30 – 9:50 Lucrezia Catanzaro “Plasmon sensors: Nanoparticle arrangements and local refractive index changing” 9:50 – 10:10 Roberta Farina “Electrochemical sensor systems for nitrogen compounds detection in water” 10:10 – 10:30 Rosaria Galvagno “Luminescence characterization of natural crystals in historical mortar” 11:00 – 11:30 Break 11:30 – 11:50 Alfio Samuele Mancuso “Development of high-power devices and neutron detectors for nuclear fusion applications” 11:50 – 12:10 Simone Milazzo “Materiali e dispositivi a base di nitruro di gallio per l’elettronica di potenza ad alta efficienza energetica” 12:10 – 12:30 Federico Ursino “Sintesi e Caratterizzazione di Metal-Organic Frameworks per lo stoccaggio di H2” 12:30 – 12:50 Marco Zignale “Processi epitassiali innovativi in carburo di silicio per dispositivi di potenza di nuova generazione” Public LINK to remote connection
Il Corso di Dottorato: descrizione ed obiettiviIl corso di Dottorato in Scienza dei Materiali e Nanotecnologie si prefigge l’obiettivo di formare Dottori di Ricerca in grado di affrontare problematiche connesse alla ricerca fondamentale, allo sviluppo tecnologico ed industriale con un approccio multidisciplinare. Gli argomenti di studio e di ricerca graviteranno attorno alla scienza dei materiali, nei suoi molteplici aspetti ed alle applicazioni tecnologiche rilevanti alla nanoscala. Le attività didattiche e di ricerca saranno rese il più possibile trasversali in modo da fornire competenze nei diversi campi disciplinari.
Didattica 39° Ciclo•Physics and technology of two-dimensional materials and devices (3 CFU -Prof. Torrisi) •Electrochemical methods applied to nanomaterials (3CFU -prof. Mirabella) •Advanced synthetic methodologies for thin film and monolayer (2 CFU -Prof. Malandrino) •Tecniche SPM (3 CFU -Prof. Ruffino) •Physics of Matter (2 CFU -Prof. Terrasi) •Electron beam lithography and nanofabrication(2 CFU –Dott.G.D’Arrigo) •Transmission Electron Microscopy and related techniques (2 CFU -Dott. C.Spinella) •Methods and procedures in polymers synthesis(3CFU -Dott. A.Nicosia) • Chemical and physical methodologies for nanosystems (3 CFU –Dott. A.Auditore) •Structural, morphological and compositional characterization of materials (2 CFU -Dott. Anna Pellegrino)
Collegio dei DocentiLucia Calcagno Maria Pilar MIRITELLO, Segreteria Sig.ra Sabrina Tosto
Finanziamenti MURI dottorandiXXXVIII CicloAlfio Samuele Mancuso
Alfio Samuele Mancuso was born in 1996 in Catania, Italy. He attained his master's degree in Chemical Sciences (Materials Chemistry and Nanotechnology curriculum) with final marks 110/110 cum laude at the University of Catania in September 2022, with an experimental thesis regarding “Synthesis by Chemical Vapor Deposition of BiFeO3 thin films and their characterization”, with tutors Prof. Graziella Malandrino, Dr. Anna Lucia Pellegrino and Dr. Francesca Lo Presti. In November 2022 he started the Ph.D. course in Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the University of Catania. He is currently working at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania, and at CNR-IMM. The research activity of Alfio Samuele Mancuso is focused high power devices for nuclear fusion application. Contact: alfio.mancuso@phd.unict.it Tutor: Prof.ssa Lucia Calcagno (UNICT) Dott. Francesco La Via (CNR-IMM)
Roberta Farina
Roberta Farina obtained her master's degree in Chemical Science, curricula "Industry, environment and cultural heritage", in March 2022 at University of Catania, with an experimental thesis entitled "Photo-thermo oxidation of Vocs on unconventional photocatalysts MnOx-ZrO2" tutored by Prof. Roberto Fiorenza and Prof. Salvatore Scirè. In November 2022 she started the Ph.D. course in "Materials Sciences and Nanotechnology" at the University of Catania. Currently, she working at the Department of Chemical Science and at CNR-IMM (Institute of Microelectronics and Microsystem). Her research focuses on fabrication and testing of portable electrochemical and opto-electrochemical sensors for the detection of nitrites, nitrates, ammonia ions, and pollutants in water. Contact: roberta.farina@phd.unict.it Tutor: Prof. Guglielmo Guido Condorelli (UNICT) – Dr. Sebania Libertino (CNR-IMM)
Simone Milazzo
Simone Milazzo obtained his master’s degree in Chemical Sciences (Materials Chemistry and Nanotechnologies) from University of Catania in September 2022. He graduated with an experimental thesis entitled “Polymeric Sensors Containing Porphyrin-based Optic Probes” under the supervision of Prof. Mineo and Dr. Nicosia. Since November 2022 he started the Ph.D. course in Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the University of Catania in collaboration with STMicroelectronics and CNR-IMM. His main research interests focus on Gallium Nitride and related materials for applications in high power and high frequency devices. Tutors: Prof. Salvatore Mirabella (UNICT), Dott. Ferdinando Iucolano (STM), Dott. Giuseppe Greco (CNR-IMM). Contact: simone.milazzo@phd.unict.it
Rosaria Galvagno
Rosaria Galvagno graduated in Physics (Physics Applied to Cultural Heritage, Environment and Medicine curriculum) with final mark 110/110 cum laude at the University of Catania in July 2022. Her thesis work was entitled "Radiological and Dosimetric characterization of 3D printing materials" tutored by Prof. Giuseppe Stella and Prof. Anna Maria Gueli. In November 2022 she started her Ph.D. course in Materials Science and Nanotechnology under the supervision of Prof. Riccardo Reitano and Prof. Anna Maria Gueli. She is currently conducting her research activities at the Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana”, University of Catania. Her main scientific interests are related to the characterization by thermally and optically stimulated luminescence of natural crystals present in mortars for historic building dating. Tutor: Prof. Riccardo Reitano; Prof. Anna Maria Gueli. Contact: rosaria.galvagno@phd.unict.it
Federico Ursino
Federico Ursino graduated in Physics (Condensed Matter curriculum) with final mark 110/110 cum laude at the University of Catania in July 2022. His thesis work was entitled “Gallium Nitride transistors based on Two-Dimensional Electron Gas” tutored by Prof. Salvatore Mirabella, Dr. Giuseppe Greco and Dr. Leonardo Gervasi. Since November 2022 he started his Pd.D. course in Materials Science and Nanotechnology under the supervision of Prof. Salvatore Mirabella and Prof. Antonio Terrasi. He is currently conducting his research activities at the Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana”, at the University of Catania. His main scientific interests are related to synthesis and characterization of devices based on transition metal oxides for energy storage. Tutor: Prof. Salvatore Mirabella and Prof. Antonio Terrasi Contact: federico.ursino@phd.unict.it
Marco Zignale
Marco Zignale received his Materials Chemistry Master's Degree at University of Catania in July 2022. He presented an experimental thesis entitled “Development of a polymeric probe for releasing and photocontrolled monitoring of nitric oxide”, a work made in collaboration with STMicroelectronics. In November 2022 he started a PhD in Materials Science and Nanotechnology under the supervision of Prof. Calcagno (University of Catania), Dr. Patrick Fiorenza (CNR-IMM) and collaboration with Dr. Danilo Crippa (LPE). Marco Zignale’s main scientific interest is about the research and application of innovative growth methodologies for doped and undoped 4H-SIC. Tutor: Lucia Calcagno (UniCT) Dr. Patrick Fiorenza (CNR-IMM) Danilo Crippa (LPE) Email: marco.zignale@phd.unict.it
Lucrezia Catanzaro
Lucrezia Catanzaro was born in 1998 in Giarre (CT). In September 2022 she completed her master course in Chemical Sciences, curriculum Materials Chemistry and Nanotechnology, at the University of Catania with a final mark of 110/110 cum laude. During her master thesis she worked on gold nanoparticle synthesis by pulsed laser ablation and characterization of their aggregation, under the supervision of Prof. Giuseppe Compagnini and Dr. Vittorio Scardaci. She is currently a PhD student in Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the University of Catania. Her main PhD activity is focused on synthesis and stabilization of noble metal nanoparticles and their application to sensors and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy due to their Surface Plasmon Resonance properties. Tutor: Prof. Giuseppe Compagnini and Prof. Felice Torrisi Contact: lucrezia.catanzaro@phd.unict.it
Antonio Brancato
Antonio Brancato was born in 1998 in Catania, Italy. He began his studies at the University of Catania in 2016. In 2019, he received his bachelor's degree, cum laude, in Industrial Chemistry with a thesis work on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and TiO2/Au systems for water splitting. In 2022, he obtained his master’s degree, cum laude, in Chemical Sciences (Materials Chemistry and Nanotechnology curriculum) presenting a thesis about Silver Nanoflowers as single particle SERS substrate. Also in 2022, he started the PhD course in Materials Science and Nanotechnology. Currently, his research activity focuses on plasmonic nanoparticles for enhanced spectroscopy and sensing. Contact: antonio.brancato@phd.unict.it Tutor: Prof. Luisa D’Urso, Dr. Marcello Condorelli XXXVII CicloValentina Iacono
Tutor: Prof. Francesco Ruffino; Prof. Salvatore Mirabella Contact: valentina.iacono@phd.unict.it
Bruno Galizia
Tutor: Prof.ssa Graziella Malandrino (UNICT) Dott.ssa Raffaella Lo Nigro (CNR-IMM) Contact: bruno.galizia@studium.unict.it
Lorenzo Sirna
Since December 2021, he has started an Industrial PhD course in Material Science and Nanotechnology at University of Catania and Enel Green Power-3SUN. His research project focuses on the development of new processes of synthesis and deposition of Perovskites for use in photovoltaic application coupled with Silicon solar cells in order to obtain Tandem Cells that could reach high efficiencies. Tutor: Prof. Graziella Malandrino Contact: lorenzo.sirna@phd.unict.it
Matteo Bombaci
Previously, in November 2019, he attained a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with final mark 110/110 at University of Catania with an experimental thesis regarding the Preparation of nanostructured surfaces with controlled surface free energy with tutor Prof. Giovanni Li Destri Nicosia. Since November 2021, he has started a PhD course in Material Science and Nanotechnology, under the supervision of Prof. Malandrino, at University of Catania. His research project focuses on the synthesis of novel multifunctional material for H2 production and CO2 capture and conversion, in order to obtain new materials for green technological application. Tutor: Prof.ssa Graziella Malandrino, Dr. Anna L. Pellegrino Contact: matteo.bombaci@phd.unict.it
Valentina Cantaro
In August 2020 she won a contract for a research program entitled: "Development and Applications of Innovative Materials and Processes for Diagnostics and Restoration of Cultural Heritage", funded by the Horizon Organization in collaboration with CSGI Firenze and CSGI Catania; collaborating in the meantime with MoCo_lab for the synthesis of fluorescent nanoparticles. Starting from December 2021, who undertook a phd course in Material Science and Nanotechnology at University of Catania. Phd project the concerns the development of materials and nanomaterials for sensors. Tutor:Prof. Giuseppe Compagnini Prof. Nunzio Tuccitto Contact: valentina.cantaro@studium.unict.it
Giuseppe Tranchida
Tutor: Prof. Guglielmo Guido Condorelli (UNICT) - Dott.ssa Stefania Maria Serena Privitera (CNR-IMM) Contact: giuseppe.tranchida@phd.unict.it
Paola Campione
Tutor: Prof.ssa Grazia Maria Lucia Messina Contact: paola.campione@phd.unict.it
Lidia Mezzina
Since November 2021 she started the Ph.D. course in Materials Science and Nanotechnology. Her research project deals with the development of advanced polymeric composites suitable for applications in extra-terrestrial environments and is conducted in the Polymer Laboratory (Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania). Her scientific efforts are focused on the synthesis of polymer-based materials and their structural and functional characterization employing techniques as MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, Gel Permeation Chromatography, Thermal Analysis (TGA, DSC), NMR and optical spectroscopies. Tutor:Prof. Placido Mineo Contact: lidia.mezzina@phd.unict.it
Enrico Sangregorio
Tutor and Co-Tutors: Prof.ssa Lucia Calcagno (UNICT) - Dott. Francesco La Via (CNR-IMM) - Dott. Massimo Camarda (STLab) Contact: Enrico.Sangregorio@PhD.unict.it
Giulia Raciti
At present, she is a PhD student in Materials Science and Nanotechnology (XXXVII cycle) at the University of Catania. Her PhD research project focuses on the development of polymer-based photo-oxidative nanocomposite deposited on cement substrates to be used for BTEX abatement. Tutor: Prof. Placido Giuseppe Mineo Contact: giulia.raciti@phd.unict.it
Salvatore La Manna
Tutor: Prof. Antonio Terrasi (UNICT) - Dott.ssa Maria Miritello (CNR-IMM) Contact:salvatore.lamanna@phd.unict.it
Paolo Corsaro
Currently, He Is a Ph.D student of Material School at University of Catania, with a PON project. His main interest is focused on the study, modeling, and optimization of nanostructured sensors, for the detection of anthropogenic pollutants, especially malodorous substances such as amines and sulfide derivatives. In addition, he uses sensors for the preventive detection of food rot. Tutor: Prof. Nunzio Tuccitto Contact: Paolo.corsaro@phd.unict.it
Andrea Lo Mastro
Tutor: Prof. Antonio Terrasi Contact: andrea.lomastro@phd.unict.it
Fiorella Tringali
In December 2021 Fiorella started her PhD course in Materials Science and Nanotechnology, XXXVII cicle-PON. She is currently working at the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Catania and at CNR-IMM. Her research activity is focused on synthesis and characterization of transparent contacts and metallizations to develop innovative layers for applications in high efficiency cristalline silicon solar cells. The PhD research is done in collaboration with Enel Green Power. Tutor: Prof. Antonio Terrasi Contact: fiorella.tringali@phd.unict.it
Orazio Samperi
Tutor: Prof.ssa Maria Elena Fragalà Contact: orazio.samperi@phd.unict.it
Vincenzo Paratore
Tutor: Prof. Guglielmo Guido Condorelli (UNICT) Contact: vincenzo.paratore@phd.unict.it
XXXVI CicloCali’ Federico
Federico Calì graduated in Materials Chemistry at the Department of Chemical Sciences of the University of Catania in 2020, with an experimental thesis entitled "Models and Methods for Molecular Communication through microfluidic channels". Currently, he is a PhD student in the Doctoral School in Materials Science and Nanotechnology. His research focuses on modeling and optimization of methods for molecular communication under microfluidic conditions and using carbon nanoparticles. In addition to molecular communication, he is also interested in the study of materials and systems for applications in the agri-food sector. Tutor: Prof. Nunzio Tuccitto - Contact: federico.cali@phd.unict.it
Gisella Di Mari was born in 1992 in Catania, Italy. She attained her Master Degree in Materials Chemistry with marks 110/110 cum laude from the University of Catania in October 2019. In November 2020 she started the Ph.D. course in Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the University of Catania. She is currently working at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania, and at CNR-IMM. Gisella Di Mari’s main scientific interests are focused on the synthesis of nanostructured semiconductors through Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) with environmental applications, like bioplastics. In particular her research activity deals with the synthesis of Zinc Oxide nanostructures, differently shaped as a function of the process parameters, and their influence into the plastic performances. Tutor: Prof.ssa Elena Bruno - Contact: gisella.dimari@phd.unict.it Giuffrida Federico
Federico Giuffrida was born in 1995 in Catania, Italy. He obtained his master’s degree in chemistry of Materials with final mark 110/110 at University of Catania, in November 2019. In November 2020 he started a Ph.D course in Materials Science and Nanotechnologies at University of Catania. Federico Giuffrida’s main scientific interest is about the synthesis and characterization of TiO2 nanowires (NWs) and the study of their photocatalytic properties. Tutor: Prof.ssa Lucia Calcagno - Contact: federico.giuffrida@phd.unict.it Hongyang Dang
Hongyang Dang was born in 1996 in Anhui, China. He graduated in pulp and paper engineering at Department of Textile Science and Engineering of Jiangnan University in June 2020, with an experimental thesis on the “Effect of Polyimide Fibre Dispersibility on the Properties and Structure of its Composites”. At present, he is a PhD student in Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the University of Catania. His research subject is mainly involving the synthesis of flexible fibre composed of two-dimensional materials for wearable electronic. In addition, his research activities aim to study the microstructures and electrical properties of electronic-textiles for the applications in photoelectric materials. Tutor: Prof. Felice Torrisi - Contact: hongyang.dang@phd.unict.it Lo Presti Francesca
Francesca Lo Presti graduated in Materials Chemistry at the University of Catania [UNICT] in 2020, with an experimental thesis regarding "Synthesis and Characterisation of Barium Fluoride Thin Films doped with Luminescent Elements for Energy Conversion Applications" with tutors Prof. Graziella Malandrino and Dr. Anna Lucia Pellegrino. In November 2020 she started her PhD in Materials Science and Nanotechnology within the same research group. Her research project focuses on the synthesis, engineering and characterisation of new single precursors defined as 'third generation precursors' for vapour deposition and solution processes. In addition, she is currently working on the synthesis and characterisation of Metal-Organic Frameworks doped with luminescent ions. Tutor: Prof.ssa Graziella Malandrino, Dr. Anna L. Pellegrino - Contact: francesca.lopresti@phd.unict.it
Salemi Luca
I am a physicist with a strong background in semiconductor photonics devices and simulations. I obtained my Master's Degree at Università di Pisa working on waveguide engineering, cleanroom fabrication, and characterization of terahertz quantum cascade lasers. Currently I am a Ph.D. student at Università degli studi di Catania in the course of Materials Science and Nanotechnology. My current research interest is in the plasmonics of noble metal nanoparticles and their application in the fields of sensing and photonics. At Università di Catania I seek to complement my skills in photonics and simulations by collaborating with the colleagues at the Department of Chemistry, combining prediction and engineering of the behaviour of plasmonics systems with control over the material synthesis, manipulation and functionalization, in order to gain a deeper understanding of their working principle and develop new applications. Tutor: Prof. Giuseppe Compagnini - Contact: luca.salemi@phd.unict.it
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Valentina Iacono graduated in Physics at the University of Catania [UniCT] in 2021, with a thesis regarding " Mechanism of Nitric Oxide detection by laser.based synthesis of CuO nanostructures" with tutors Prof. Salvatore Mirabella and Prof. Francesco Ruffino. In November 2021 she started the Ph.D course in Material Science and Nanotecnology at the University of Catania. She is currently working at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania, and at CNR-IMM. Valentina's main scientific interests are focused on the laser-based synthesys of nanostructures throught Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid and their application on hydrogen production and storage.
Strongly believing that sustainable development shall pass through new technologies in the field of Nanomaterials, Bruno Galizia is currently working in CNR-IMM (Institute of Microelectronics and Microsystem) in collaboration with STMicroelectronics and UNICT’s department of chemical science. His research focuses on the synthesis of high-k dielectrics on Silicon Carbide, in order to make possible the transition from traditional Silicon devices to new, more efficient and energy-savings MOSFETs. Previously, he attained bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry and master’s degree in Chemistry of Materials, both cum laude in University of Catania.
Lorenzo Sirna was born in 1996 in Catania, Italy. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Chemical Sciences (curriculum Materials Chemistry and Nanotechnology) with marks 110/110 cum laude at University of Catania in October 2021. Previously, he attained a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry with marks 110/110 cum laude at University of Catania in July 2019.
Matteo Bombaci was born in November 1997 in Siracusa, Italy. He obtained his master’s degree in Chemical Science, Curriculum Materials Chemistry and Nanotechnology, with final mark 110/110 cum laude in July 2021 at University of Catania, with an experimental thesis regarding the Synthesis of binuclear 3d-4f complexes and the characterization of their properties with tutors Prof. Graziella Malandrino, Dr. Anna Lucia Pellegrino and Dr. Francesca Lo Presti. 
Valentina Cantaro was born in 1991 in Niscemi (CL), Italy. She received her Master’s degree in Materials Chemistry from the Department of Chemical Sciences, the University of Catania in March 2019, with an experimental thesis entitled “Carbon Nanoparticles as Messengers for Molecular Comunication” with marks 110/110 laude, under the supervision of Prof. Tuccitto.
Giuseppe Tranchida was born in 1997 in Catania, Italy. He obtained his master's degree in Chemical Sciences (Materials Chemistry and Nanotechnology curriculum) with final marks 110/110 cum laude at the University of Catania in October 2021. In November 2021 he started the Ph.D. course in Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the University of Catania. He is currently working at the Department of Chemical Science, University of Catania, and at CNR-IMM. Giuseppe Tranchida’s main scientific interest is focused on the synthesis and electrochemical and structural characterization of heterogeneous nanostructured catalysts for the electrochemical reduction of nitrogen. In particular, the activity includes the production of heterogeneous catalysts on different substrates such as metal foam, graphite and carbon-based porous electrodes, the electrochemical characterization through cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy, and the characterization of the catalytic activity through chronoamperometry measurements.
Paola Campione graduated in Chemical Sciences, curriculum Materials Chemistry and Nanotechnology, at the Department of Chemical Sciences of the University of Catania in October 2021, with an experimental thesis entitled “Study of electroactive polymer composites of P3HT-MWCNT for Bioelectronics”. Since November 2021, she is a PhD student in the Doctoral School in Materials Sciences and Nanotechnology under the supervision of Prof. Grazia Maria Lucia Messina. Her research project focuses on the study of the structure and physico-chemical properties of active interfaces. She is also interested in materials capable of responding to external stimuli for potential applications in the field of biosensing.
Lidia Mezzina obtained the Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry in April 2020 (University of Catania) with a thesis entitled “Polymer supported organic photocatalyst: synthesis, characterization and preliminary study of the photocatalytic activity” tutored by Prof. Placido Mineo, and the Master’s Degree in Chemical Sciences - curriculum Industry, Environment, and Cultural Heritage in October 2021 (University of Catania) with a thesis entitled “Polymer-based hybrid photocatalytic nanocomposites active in the visible light range: synthesis and photo-oxidative activity proof of concept”, tutored by Prof. Placido Mineo.
Enrico Sangregorio obtained his Master’s Degree in Materials Chemistry in June 2021 with an experimental thesis entitled “Vibrational spectroscopy in molecular ices subjected to irradiation with ionic beams and their application in astrophysics”, a work made in collaboration with the National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF). In December 2021 he started the Ph.D course in Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the University of Catania. His research subject involves the development and the characterization of innovative SiC-based X-Ray and neutrons detectors with possible applications in physics, nuclear fusion and nuclear medicine. This project was born from a collaboration between UniCT’s department of Physics and Astronomy, CNR-IMM (Institute of Microelectronics and Microsystem) and STLab (Science and Technology Laboratory).
Giulia Raciti attained her Master’s Degree with honours in Chemical Sciences from the University of Catania in 2021, presenting a thesis on the development of hydrogels for plant disease management in organic agriculture. Her research interest arose from her experience in the ISAB refinery (Lukoil) in Priolo Gargallo, and constituted the subject of her Bachelor’s thesis in which she validated an analytical method to determine BTEX in refinery wastewater.
Salvatore La Manna was born in 1990 in Catania, Italy. He obtained his Master’s Degree in Chemistry of Materials with final mark 110/110 cum laude at University of Catania, in November 2019. After a work experience at CNR-IMM as research fellow, he started a Ph.D course in Materials Science and Nanotechnologies at University of Catania in November 2021. He is currently working at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania, and at CNR-IMM labs. His main scientific interests are focused on the optimization of innovative materials for photovoltaics. In particular, his research activity regards the synthesis, engineering and characterization of sub-stoichiometric transition metal oxides thin films used as selective contacts in heterojunction solar cells.
Paolo Corsaro graduated in Chemical Science curriculum Material Science and Nanotachnologies at the Department of Chemical Sciences of the University of Catania in October 2021, with an experimental thesis entitled " Preparation and characterization of hybrid nanocomposites of PEDOT: PSS for electrical biointerfaces".
Andrea Lo Mastro was born in 1997 in Catania, Italy. He obtained his Master Degree in Physics (Condensed Matter Physics curriculum) with marks 110/110 at the University of Catania in April 2021, with a thesis named "A Comparative Study of Transparent Conductive Oxides for Photovoltaic Applications", under the tutoring of Prof. A.Terrasi, Prof. F.Ruffino and Dr. M.Miritello. From November 2021 on he is a Ph.D. student in "Materials Science and Nanotechnology" at the University of Catania. Currently working at the Department of Physics and Astronomy "Ettore Majorana" in Catania, Andrea Lo Mastro's main scientific activities include PVD synthesis and characterization of Transparent Conductive Oxides for applications in Photovoltaics, transparent electronics, Photonics and Information & Communications Technologies; more specifically, the proposed research project for the Ph.D. is focused on the research and development of Gallium Oxide - based and Molybdenum Oxide - based devices, for a wide range of applications.
Fiorella Tringali was born in 1996 in Augusta, Italy. She graduated in Physics at University of Catania in June 2021, with marks 110/110. She has a condensed matter physics background and her thesis work focused on optimization of molibdenum oxide thin film as selective contacts for solar cells.
Graduated in Material Chemistry, with a Master's Degree thesis entitled “Plasmonic properties of metal nanoparticle thin layers: Spectroscopy and FDTD simulations”, since 2021 Orazio Samperi has attended a doctoral degree in “Material Science and Nanotechnologies” at University of Catania. His PhD project regards the structural and electric characterization of Silicon Carbide and Gallium Nitride, two leading-edge wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors that deliver key advantages and significant improvements in power conversion efficiency with respect to Silicon. This activity, hence, strongly matches up to current microelectronics industrial needs, as part of renewable energies, electric automotive and 5G telecommunication technologies, since WBG semiconductors are promising materials for Power Electronics dealing with higher voltage operation, wider temperature ranges and increased switching frequencies.
Vincenzo Paratore was born in 1994 in Catania, Italy. He obtained his Master’s Degree in ”Photochemistry and Molecular Materials” with an experimental thesis regarding “Photochemical characterization of nanomaterials of the pnictogen chalcohalides family” with final mark 110/110 cum laude at University of Bologna in March 2021, and Bachelor’s Degree in ”Industrial Chemistry” at University of Catania in July 2018 with an experimental thesis regarding “Non-covalent synthesis of systems porphyrine-titanium dioxide and related photocatalytic properties” with final mark 110/110.
