Dottorato in Scienza dei Materiali e Nanotecnologie
IN EVIDENZADidattica 2022/2023
Il Corso di Dottorato: descrizione ed obiettivi Il 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.
I DottorandiXXXVII 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 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 - 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
XXXV CicloBruno Luca
Luca Bruno was born in 1994 in Catania, Italy. He attained his Master’s Degree in Physics with marks 110/110 cum laude from the University of Catania in October 2019. In November 2019 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. Luca Bruno's main scientific interests are focused on the low-cost synthesis and decoration with mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles (Au, AuPd, AuPt) of nanostructured metal oxide semiconductors (nickel oxide, zinc oxide,…) for sensing and electrochemical applications and on the research of a low-cost Ni-based catalyst for energy applications. Contact: Luca.Bruno@Phd.Unict.It Mineo Giacometta
I am Giacometta Mineo and I am a PhD Student in Materials Science and Nanotechnology XXXV cycle at the University of Catania. I obtained my degree in Physics in 2019, and my interests are mainly focused on Condensed Matter Physics and in its various aspects, ranging from atomic physics to solid-state physics, and nanotechnologies. In particular, my studies currently converge on synthesis of tungsten trioxide nanostructures and investigation of their properties. Within my group, we studied different synthesis technique such electrodeposition and hydrothermal synthesis for tungsten trioxide nanostructures production, we investigated the interaction at the base of H2 sensing mechanism, and we tested electrochemical properties of tungsten trioxide in order to realize supercapacitors for energy storage applications. Contact: Giacometta.Mineo@Phd.Unict.It Micali Melanie
Melanie Micali was born in 1993 in Catania, Italy. She attained her Master Degree in Physics from University of Catania in July 2019. In November 2019 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. Melanie Micali’s main scientific interests are focused on the synthesis and characterization of high efficiency transparent and flexible electrodes for ICT and photovoltaic applications. In particular, highly conductive Indium based transparent conductive oxide thin films doped with transition metals proposed as alternatives TCO for large industrial scale. Contact: Melanie.Micali@Phd.Unict.It Chiechio Regina Maria
Regina Maria Chiechio was born in 1993 in Catania, Italy. She obtained her Master Degree in Condensed Matter Physics and Nanomaterial, pathway Nanosciences, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies with marks 110/110 cum laude from the University of Rennes 1, France, in June 2019. In November 2019 she started the Ph.D. course in Materials Science and Nanotechnology at the University of Catania in co-tutelage with the University of Rennes 1. She is currently working at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Catania, and at CNR-IMM. Regina Maria Chiechio's main scientific interests are focused on the synthesis, characterisation and application of fluorescent nanostructures for bioimaging and biosensing, in particular on the chemical synthesis and functionalisation of luminescent gold nanoclusters and lanthanide-doped nanoparticles for pancreatic tumor cells and extracellular vesicles labelling. Contact: Regina.Chiechio@Phd.Unict.It Cannizzaro Annalisa
Silicon Carbide (SiC) can be proposed as an alternative to Silicon to improve the power of the electrical devices and reduce the electricity consumption, in all areas of electronics. My research activity is promoted by the “CHALLENGE” project (included in the Horizon-2020 program), whose aim is to develop cubic Silicon Carbide (3C-SiC) hetero-epitaxially grown on silicon compliance substrates, for sustainable wide band-gap power device. In particular, I study how different patterned substrates can affect the density of anti-phase boundary (APB) defects, as a function of various SiC thickness deposition. Characterizations of several samples, different for thicknesses of SiC growth on different patterned substrates, are performed by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), taking care to prepare good samples for electron microscopy observations. These analyses provided values of APB densities for each sample, allowing to elaborate a phenomenological model concerning the growth and evolution of APBs, as a function of SiC thickness and substrate geometry. Contact: Annalisa.Cannizzaro@Phd.Unict.It Meli Alessandro
Alessandro Meli has a master's degree in materials chemistry. After a series of work experiences, at STMicroelectronics and CNR-IMM, he started the doctoral course in materials science and nanotechnology, with a scholarship of ENI S.p.A. and in collaboration with CNR-IMM headquarter and INFN of Catania. The focus of the actual research is the study of Silicon Carbide (SiC) properties for power devices and particles detection applications, in particular for neutron detection in a thermonuclear reactor. SiC is a compound semiconductor which is considered as a possible alternative to silicon for particles and photon detection. Its characteristics make it very promising for the next generation of nuclear and particle physics experiments where the temperature and the radiation environment preclude the use of conventional microelectronic semiconductors. This study evolved from epitaxial growth on 4H-SiC substrates and related characterizations, up to continuing with the design and fabrication of the devices. The prototypes obtained will then be tested both electrically and with a neutron beam in order to simulate the operating conditions. Contact: Alessandro.Meli@Phd.Unict.It Pizzone Mattia
Mattia Pizzone è il vincitore di una borsa di dottorato industriale co-finanziata da CNR ed STMicroelectronics. I suoi interessi scientifici comprendono tecniche innovative di drogaggio su silicio (Si) e carburo di silicio (SiC). In particolare la sua attività scientifica riguarda il doping molecolare, una tecnica innovativa di drogaggio che utilizza molecole come mezzo per il trasporto di impurità sulla superficie del semiconduttore che, una volta iniziato il processo di drive-in, si scindono liberando il drogante e permettendone la diffusione all'interno della matrice del semiconduttore. La sfida principale del suo percorso di dottorato riguarda l'applicazione della tecnica al SiC e alle sue nanostrutture, notoriamente difficili da trattare con processi simili. Contact: Mattia.Pizzone@Phd.Unict.It Pulvirenti Luca
The research activity of Luca Pulvirenti is focused on the preparation of functional material through the surface modification of ferrites. It can be divided in two lines: synthesis of materials for: a) environmental and b) biomedical applications. Luca uses the photocatalytic properties of bismuth ferrite to degrade organic molecules that cannot be removed with classical removal methods while we will use the organic coating based on cavitands for the selective removal of pollutants (heavy metals and organic pollutants) present in traces in waste water. Luca is working on the development of two different materials in the treatment of wastewater and in anti-cancer therapies. As for wastewater, he is using the same inorganic core used for the treatment of pollutants, but with a different organic coating, in order to more effectively remove the bacteria that are often present in wastewater. For the second use, he is using the intrinsic biocompatibility and low toxicity properties of magnetite to design nanocomposites for drug delivery application with the aim of designing carriers that are able to protect anti-cancer drugs during the delicate passage of overcoming cell barriers. Contact: Luca.Pulvirenti@Phd.Unict.It Panasci Salvatore Ethan
My scientific interests cover the aspects related to the preparation and characterization of two-dimensional materials as Graphene and Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (2D TMDs) for micro and nanoelectronics applications. During my first two years as PhD student, I used a method developed by several groups in recent years defined “Mechanical exfoliation assisted by gold” by which is possible to prepare large area monolayers TMDs with high crystal quality. I also characterized these samples from morphological, electrical, vibrational and optical point of view by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Conductive AFM, Raman and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy respectively. In addition, thanks to the ETMOS project collaborations, I characterized other 2D materials realized by Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) and Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). From these characterizations I learned to distinguish their electrical and optical differences even when integrated with wide-band gap materials (SiC and GaN). Contact: Salvatore.Panasci@Phd.Unict.It Pulvirenti Mario
I am Mario Pulvirenti PhD student in material sciences and nanotechnology. I have Master’s degree in chemistry of materials, obtained at University of Study of Catania. My doctoral activities and scientific interests are focused on synthesis and characterization of noble metal nanomaterials, having peculiar plasmon resonance properties. I am studying nanomaterial based on silver and gold which are the most interesting chemical species due to their strong plasmon properties. These nanoparticles are useful in many research fields as sensors, photo- catalysis and photovoltaic. Currently I am developing a specific sensor based on plasmon resonance and new methods to functionalize materials with silver and gold nanoparticles to create specific sensor substrates. Contact: Mario.Pulvirenti@Phd.Unict.It Leonardi Marco
I am Marco Leonardi and I am a chemist. I deal with silicon photovoltaic technologies and the development of solutions to produce green fuels. I spent the last year characterizing silicon heterojunction bifacial solar cells and testing them in outdoor conditions in collaboration with the National Research Council and Enel Green Power. Furthermore, I have followed the design and realization of a water-splitting demonstrator made up of Silicon solar cells and a Polymer Exchange Membrane electrolyser that perfectly worked for six months. I am currently testing 4-terminal photovoltaic solutions based on Si and III-V semiconductors, e.g. GaAs, to increase modules' efficiency. In addition, I am working on ammonia production via electrochemical nitrogen reduction by using a no-noble metal catalyst. Contact: Marco.Leonardi@Phd.Unict.It Valastro Salvatore
My research interest focuses on Perovskite materials for thin-film Photovoltaic applications. It mainly relies on the interface coupling of the Perovskite absorber (e.g. MAPbI3) with the adjacent transporting layers (e.g. oxides) for the optimization of carrier extraction and transport in Perovskite Solar Cells. Special care is devoted to the stability of the device performances which is evaluated by electrical characterization under solar simulator over time (durability and ageing). As a step beyond, my research activity aims at investigating structure and stability of innovative Perovskites (e.g. CsPbI3, FASnI3) through the evolution of their optical and structural properties by in-situ advanced characterizations under controlled environment and temperature conditions. Contact: Salvatore.Valastro@Phd.Unict.It Bandi precedenti (ai sensi dell'art. 8, co.3, del d.lgs. 33/2013) |
Collegio dei DocentiLucia Calcagno
Segreteria |
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.
