The Group of Characterization of Materials (GCM) is focused on studying the fundamental properties of materials, focusing on phase transitions, relaxation dynamics, and computational modeling. Their research includes equilibrium and non-equilibrium phase diagrams, structural dynamics of various materials, and energetic phase transitions for thermal management applications. Their laboratory is equipped with advanced characterization techniques, including calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and high-performance computing for atomistic simulations.

Their research is focused on:

• Study of the equilibrium and non-equilibrium phase diagram, structure, and relaxation dynamics of polymorphs, plastic crystals, polymers, and glasses.

• Investigation of materials undergoing energetic phase transitions for thermal management applications.

• Theoretical modeling of energy and functional materials using quantum first-principles methods (density functional theory and diffusion Monte Carlo) and classical simulations (molecular dynamics).

• Study of the glass and supercooled liquid relaxation dynamics of glass-forming metals, including high-entropy alloys.

• Design of new amorphous alloys and strategies for aging/rejuvenation to optimize material properties.

• Historical and scientific analysis of glass, glazed ceramics, and paintings to retrieve lost technologies and contribute to cultural heritage conservation.

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Group leaders

Daniel Crespo, Josep Lluis Tamarit

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