Abstract:

Energy: H₂ production

The development of TiO₂-based photocatalysts modified with palladium for efficient hydrogen (H₂) production under UV-visible and visible light irradiation has been explored. By combining high-surface-area mesoporous TiO₂ with small amounts of Pd, the researchers aimed to enhance photocatalytic performance through improved charge separation and surface reactivity. The Pd functions as a cocatalyst, promoting electron trapping and reducing recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, which are critical factors for increasing hydrogen evolution efficiency. The TiO₂ materials were synthesized using a soft-template method and tested in a custom-designed photoreactor using methanol-water mixtures as sacrificial agents. Under both UV-visible and visible light, the Pd-modified TiO₂ demonstrated superior photocatalytic activity compared to bare TiO₂. The study also proposes a mechanistic pathway involving both radical generation and partial oxidation of methanol. Overall, the work highlights the potential of Pd-TiO₂ systems as effective photocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen production from aqueous organic media.

Biomaterials: bone regeneration

Biomaterials play a crucial role in modern regenerative medicine, offering innovative solutions for tissue repair and regeneration. This seminar will focus on two cutting-edge approaches: mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs) for bone regeneration and 3D printing technologies for bone, cartilage, and ligament regeneration. MBGs have emerged as highly effective biomaterials due to their superior bioactivity, controlled drug delivery capabilities, and ability to stimulate osteogenesis in osteoblast and MSCs. Their tuneable porosity allows for enhanced cellular interactions, making them promising candidates for bone defect repair. Aditionally, macrophages polarization has been explored. Additionally, 3D printing has revolutionized materials science by enabling the precise fabrication of macro-structured scaffolds with tailored mechanical and biological properties. We will explore how advanced bioinks and composite materials can be used to fabricate functional constructs that mimic the native extracellular matrix, facilitating the regeneration of bone, cartilage, and ligaments. By integrating bioactive materials with additive manufacturing, these technologies offer a powerful platform for personalized and efficient regenerative treatments.

Biography:
Dr. Natividad Gomez Cerezo is an Assistant Professor at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Her research focuses on nanostructured materials and their applications in fields such as energy and biomedicine.