Prof João Abrantes | Solid State Ionics
| Best Researcher Award

Academic Training 📚

The academic journey began at the University of Aveiro, where a degree in Ceramic and Glass Engineering was earned in 1988. This was followed by a master’s degree in Materials Engineering in 1992, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering in 2001. Recently, in 2021, the title of Habilitation in Materials Science and Engineering was also obtained from the same university.

Professional Career 🏢

The professional career commenced in 1991 at the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC) as an Assistant Professor, progressing to Auxiliary Professor in 1993 and Associate Professor in 2018. Throughout this career, several undergraduate and master courses were created, including a master in Mechanical, Energy, and Materials Engineering, approved by the national agency and set to begin in the upcoming academic year.As a group leader, significant contributions include the creation of the internal IPVC research unit, UIDM, in 2005, and its directorship until 2021. Additionally, in 2018, a strong collaboration with other IPVC groups led to the establishment of proMetheus – Research Unit in Materials, Energy, and Environment for Sustainability, where the role of Director and President of the Scientific Council was assumed.

Academic Management 🏫

Significant roles in academic management have been undertaken, such as being a member of the General Council of IPVC since its inception in 1995 until 2020, President of the General Assembly, department head, disciplinary group head, scientific area head, and a member of the scientific council for several years.

Scientific Activity 🔬

Research focuses on developing electroceramic materials for solid-state electrochemistry systems, such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). This includes optimizing oxygen ion-conducting electrolytic materials and mixed ionic electronic materials (MIEC) for SOFC electrodes. The expertise in ceramic engineering facilitated the development of new cellular ceramics with phase change materials (PCM) for thermal energy storage systems.

Experimental Skills and Methodologies 🧪

The development of experimental methodologies and software tools for data acquisition is a notable achievement, including advanced electrochemical measurement techniques like impedance spectroscopy. These methods and tools have been recognized and adopted by various laboratories, including those at the University of Aveiro, University of Málaga, University of La Laguna, and Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio CSIC.

Scientific Publications and Discoveries 📑

Almost a hundred articles have been published in scientific journals, along with over one hundred communications at international conferences. Key discoveries include:Non-stoichiometry of LaMnO3 perovskite promoting stability and conductivity, enhancing SOFC electrode performance.Controlled porosity in niobium-doped strontium titanate optimizing resistive oxygen sensors.Modeling of heat or cold discharge from encapsulated PCM aiding in device sizing.

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) 📊

The use of EIS in characterizing transport properties of MIEC materials has led to:Publications discussing EIS spectra representations.Proposing a new graphic representation of EIS spectra enhancing low-frequency effects.Studies on pyrochlore materials as solid electrolytes.EIS application in monitoring concrete corrosion and predicting ceramic material properties.

X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Expertise 📈

Specialization in XRD, particularly through Rietveld refinements, opened new research lines and collaborations, such as:Biomaterials based on hydroxyapatite.Hydration of recycled cement.Synthesis of struvite from cattle slurry and sewage sludge for use as fertilizer.