Applied Nanoscience and Photonics Group

Main lines of research
This research focuses on the development of magnetic nanoparticles for application in hyperthermia therapy. Magnetic nanoparticles have emerged as promising tools for cancer treatment due to their ability to generate heat when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. Hyperthermia therapy involves selectively heating cancerous tissues, leading to localized cell death while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
This study aims to develop magnetic nanoparticles with optimized magnetic properties, size, and surface functionalization to enhance their performance in hyperthermia applications. Through precise synthesis methods, characterization, and in vitro/in vivo studies. In summary, this research seeks to contribute to the advancement of hyperthermia therapy for cancer treatment, offering potential benefits in terms of efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes.
I: Manufacturing of Magnetic Nanoparticles Applied to Hyperthermia
This research focuses on the development of magnetic nanoparticles for application in hyperthermia therapy. Magnetic nanoparticles have emerged as promising tools for cancer treatment due to their ability to generate heat when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. Hyperthermia therapy involves selectively heating cancerous tissues, leading to localized cell death while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
This study aims to develop magnetic nanoparticles with optimized magnetic properties, size, and surface functionalization to enhance their performance in hyperthermia applications. Through precise synthesis methods, characterization, and in vitro/in vivo studies. In summary, this research seeks to contribute to the advancement of hyperthermia therapy for cancer treatment, offering potential benefits in terms of efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes.
II Study of Toxicology of Nanoparticles Synthesized via chemical and Green Methods and Development of Nano-remediation Techniques:
This research focuses on investigating the toxicity of nanoparticles synthesized through green methods and developing nano-remediation techniques for environmental applications. Green synthesis utilizes eco-friendly materials and processes to produce nanoparticles, reducing environmental impact and enhancing biocompatibility. This study evaluates the toxicity of these nanoparticles in biological and ecological systems to ensure their safety. Additionally, methods for nano-remediation are developed and optimized using these nanoparticles to remove contaminants from soils and waters. Expected outcomes include lower toxicity and higher remediation efficiency compared to conventional nanoparticles, establishing guidelines for their safe and sustainable use in environmental and biomedical applications.
III. Production and characterization of Transition Metal Chalcogenides
Transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) have gained represent an innovative solution for the efficient conversion of thermal energy into electricity and vice versa. TMCs, which combine transition metals with chalcogenic elements such as sulphur, selenium and tellurium, possess unique electronic and thermal properties that make them ideal for thermoelectric applications.
The main objective of this research is to develop and optimise these devices by synthesising and characterising TMCs, improving their thermoelectric properties through techniques such as doping and nanostructure engineering, and fabricating and evaluating prototype devices. These devices have the potential to be used for energy recovery in industrial processes, cooling systems without moving parts, portable electronics and space exploration. Successful implementation of these devices could mean a significant advance in energy efficiency and sustainability.

IV. Development of Thermoelectric materials and Devices Using
With the ever-growing development of multifunctional and miniature electronics, the exploring of high-power microwatt-milliwatt self-charging technology is highly essential. thermoelectric materials and devices, utilizing small temperature difference to generate electricity, exhibit great potentials to provide the continuous power supply for wearable and implantable electronics. of flexible thermoelectric materials, including conducting polymers, organic/inorganic hybrid composites, and fully inorganic materials.
Thermoelectric devices based on transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) represent an innovative solution for the efficient conversion of thermal energy into electricity and vice versa. TMCs, which combine transition metals with chalcogenic elements such as sulphur, selenium and tellurium, possess unique electronic and thermal properties that make them ideal for thermoelectric applications.
The main objective of this research is to develop and optimise these devices by synthesising and characterising TMCs, improving their thermoelectric properties through techniques such as doping and nanostructure engineering, and fabricating and evaluating prototype devices. These devices have the potential to be used for energy recovery in industrial processes, cooling systems without moving parts, portable electronics and space exploration. Successful implementation of these devices could mean a significant advance in energy efficiency and sustainability.
V. Manufacturing Materials for Optoelectronic Devices and Photovoltaic Cells
This research focuses on the manufacturing of materials for optoelectronic devices and photovoltaic cells. Optoelectronic devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photodetectors, play crucial roles in various technologies, including telecommunications, display technology, and sensing applications. Photovoltaic cells are essential for converting solar energy into electricity, contributing to renewable energy production. This study aims to develop advanced materials with tailored properties to enhance the performance and efficiency of optoelectronic devices and photovoltaic cells. Through material synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication, this research seeks to advance the field of renewable energy and optoelectronics, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions and technological advancements.
Contact
Principals investigator :
Assist. Prof. Dr. Doris Cadavid:
Email : dycadavidr@unal.edu.co
Postal Address:
National university of Colombia
Lab Building 404, 4nd Floor
Bogota , Colombia
