• Date: 02/13/2025 (Thursday)
• Time: 12:00
• Place: Auditorium of the Faculty of Geological Sciences (UCM) C. de José Antonio Novais, 12, Madrid

Madrid / February 4, 2025

Summary of the thesis

In recent years, interest in two-dimensional materials has increased exponentially. Among them, the so-called TMOs (2D Transition metal oxides) stand out. These metal oxides are characterized by having crystalline networks that can be separated down to a practically atomic scale by being linked together by van der Waals forces and being easily exfoliable.

This thesis proposes the study of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) at a nanometric scale, and when it is doped with rare earths (Eu ions). This material in its rhombic phase (α-MoO3) has optical properties of birefringence and transparency in the infrared range and the visible spectrum of light, but is absorbent for the ultraviolet, also providing great potential as a component within optical devices and photovoltaic cells.

The nanometric sheets of MoO3 are obtained through a process based on pulsed laser deposition in vacuum (PLD). Initially, they are low in oxygen, so substoichiometric oxides (MoO3-X) are formed and are structurally amorphous. Therefore, the sheets are subjected to thermal treatments in air at low temperatures, up to 250º C, which generates changes in the stoichiometry and crystallinity of the material. The resulting structures require an exhaustive study to determine their physical properties, including crystallographic and optical properties.

Time: 12:00

Place: Assembly Hall of the Faculty of Geological Sciences (UCM)
C/ de José Antonio Novais, 12, Madrid