The Advanced Crystal Growth and Photonics Laboratory (CCAF) is a research laboratory within the Graduate Program in Materials Science and Engineering (PPGCEM) at UFPel, led by professors Cristiane Wienke Raubach Ratmann (Lattes), Mário Lúcio Moreira (Lattes), Mateus Meneguetti Ferrer (Lattes) and Sergio da Silva Cava (Lattes). The laboratory focuses on the development of ceramic materials, photonics, and renewable energy, contributing to scientific and technological advancements aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Main Research Areas
The main research areas of the CCAF include:
- Crystal Growth:
The laboratory employs various methods for synthesizing ceramic materials to produce nanoparticles with diverse applications. The synthesis methods include:- Pechini Method: Used for synthesizing aluminas and calcium aluminates, with applications in fuel cells and dental cement.
- Combustion Synthesis: Used for synthesizing calcium aluminates, perovskites, TiO2, ZnO, and hydroxyapatite, with applications in solar cells and dentistry.
- Sol-Gel: Used for obtaining thin films for metal surface protection and hydrophobic/hydrophilic surface treatments.
- Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis: Used for synthesizing particles with special optical and magnetic properties, with applications in solar cells and biotechnology.
This research area aligns with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, promoting innovative technologies for industry.
- Renewable Energy:
The CCAF focuses on developing materials for renewable energy applications, particularly dye-sensitized solar cells. The laboratory uses microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis to produce ceramic oxides, such as Titanium Dioxide, Alkaline Earth Titanates, and Zinc Oxide, which are used as semiconductor films. This research contributes to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, promoting sustainable energy technologies. - Photonics:
The laboratory conducts research in photonics, focusing on materials with advanced optical and photonic properties. These studies have applications in optical communications, sensors, and photonic devices, contributing to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. - Multifunctional Materials:
The CCAF investigates nanostructured core-shell materials, which integrate multiple physical properties of technological interest. These materials are used in high-performance electro-electronic devices, contributing to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
The CCAF stands out for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, seeking technological solutions that promote the efficient use of natural resources and reduce environmental impact. By focusing on renewable energy, photonics, and multifunctional materials, the laboratory contributes to scientific and technological advancements in line with SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
Infrastructure and Equipment
The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment, enabling advanced research in material synthesis and characterization. Available equipment includes:
- Chemical fume hoods: For safe handling of reagents and material synthesis.
- Tubular furnaces (Carbolite Gero STF 16/180): For thermal treatments and synthesis of ceramic materials.
- Spectrophotometers (UV-2600, Shimadzu): For analyzing optical and photonic properties of materials.
- Microwave-assisted hydrothermal system (Milestone ETHOS One): For synthesizing nanoparticles with morphological control and special properties.
Access to the Laboratory
For more information about the Advanced Crystal Growth and Photonics Laboratory (CCAF), visit the official website: https://wp.ufpel.edu.br/ccaf/.
Follow the laboratory on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccaf___ufpel.
