BSc, PhD, MRSC

Jorge is a computational chemist focused on studying solid-state materials, particularly phenomena that happen at interfaces. In his research he employs electronic structure methods based on the density functional theory (DFT) to gain insights on the behavior of materials. His experience includes modelling of biomolecules on surfaces, bimetallic interfaces, and metal-supported 2D materials. Much of his research is conducted in tight collaboration with experimentalists.

At QMUL, Jorge is currently working on the FENCES project which aims to produce novel ferroelectric-photoactive nanocomposite thin films for high efficiency solar energy conversion. His role on the project consists of a range of computational modelling activities, targeting three main areas: i) prediction of suitable materials; ii) ab initio modelling of the material interfaces; iii) scale up of the models using a range of techniques, as well as potentially full system and device modelling such as through finite element methods, drift-diffusion and equivalent circuit modelling. 

Education:

PhD in Chemistry: University of Reading, United Kingdom
Thesis Title: “Density Functional Theory Studies of Metal-Based Interfaces”
Supervisors: Dr Ricardo Grau-Crespo and Dr Roger A. Bennett

BSc (Chemical Engineering): Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador
Dissertation Project: “Adsorption of CO2 on TiO2(110) surfaces: a DFT study”
Supervisor: Dr Silvia González

Research interests:

Ferroelectric materials, enantioselective heterogeneous catalysis, heteroepitaxial systems, supported 2D materials.