PhD in Engineering | Electronic Engineer | AI Developer
My research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing innovative graphene-derived nanomaterials, primarily using CVD graphene as a starting point. These materials demonstrate significant potential across various applications, including water contaminant degradation, fluorescence-based ion detection, efficient photoanodes, and electrochemical glucose sensing. I've successfully developed Twisted Bilayer Graphene (TBLG) from CVD graphene on Cu substrates using substrate chemical attack, allowing precise control over electronic properties based on rotation angles. Furthermore, my work involves direct ethanol electrooxidation on Ni foam electrodes, yielding ultra-small carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with a diameter of 2.8 nm. These CQDs, rich in oxygenated groups, effectively degrade organic dyes under light exposure. Additionally, electrochemical exfoliation of 3D graphene on Ni foams produces graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with confined electrons that exhibit UV-Visible light absorption and emission. Modified GQDs enhance fluorescence-based sensing of Hg2+ and Fe3+ ions in water and wine samples, and they serve as reducing agents in synthesizing metal-graphene nanohybrids (e.g., Au or Pt), which improve electrocatalysis and glucose detection. To understand and optimize these materials, I've developed TDDFT models that simulate GQD optoelectronic properties, such as emission and absorbance characteristics relevant for ion detection and quantum confinement analysis. The characterization of these nanomaterials is challenging due to their size, requiring advanced techniques like HRTEM, EELS, and STEM-HAADF to investigate their size, nanostructure, and composition. These insights inform novel synthesis strategies to leverage unique nanomaterial attributes, such as fluorescence, size, and biocompatibility, for impactful scientific and industrial applications. For more information, please contact me at sbarrionuevo@inifta.unlp.edu.ar.
I have worked on several key projects, including the development of Twisted Bilayer Graphene, Graphene Quantum Dots and Gold-Graphene Nanohybrids. I have participated in Horizon 2020 EU Projects such as MELON & ULTIMATE-I. My work focuses on producing and synthesizing novel graphene-derived nanomaterials for various electronic applications.
For more information, visit my Google Scholar profile.
Conducted research and led a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in synthesizing and characterizing graphene-derived nanomaterials.
Focused on advanced characterization of graphene nanostructures using HRTEM and EELS. Synthesized and characterized Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) and developed novel procedures for transferring and cleaning ultra-clean graphene surfaces.
Taught Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials (Graphene and Others): Production, Properties, and Applications.
Assisted in teaching Nanotechnology & Nanomaterials courses.
Conducted XPS and Raman characterization of Graphene Nanostructures.
Worked on research projects related to nanomaterials and electronics.
Designed photonic and microwave devices.
Project Management & Team Work, Problem Solving, Innovation
I have effectively produced nanomaterials for innovative approaches to tackling electronic, environmental, and analytical challenges using nanotechnology. I developed several new techniques to synthesize graphene-derived nanomaterials, advancing the field of electronics through precise control over graphene's properties.
My work on the synthesis and characterization of graphene, twisted bilayer graphene, GQDs, and CQDs has significantly contributed to the advancement of nanomaterials.