About me

My research focuses on synthesizing and characterizing innovative graphene-derived nanomaterials, primarily using CVD graphene as a starting point. These materials demonstrate significant potential across various applications, including water contaminant degradation, fluorescence-based ion detection, efficient photoanodes, and electrochemical glucose sensing. I've successfully developed Twisted Bilayer Graphene (TBLG) from CVD graphene on Cu substrates using substrate chemical attack, allowing precise control over electronic properties based on rotation angles. Furthermore, my work involves direct ethanol electrooxidation on Ni foam electrodes, yielding ultra-small carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with a diameter of 2.8 nm. These CQDs, rich in oxygenated groups, effectively degrade organic dyes under light exposure. Additionally, electrochemical exfoliation of 3D graphene on Ni foams produces graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with confined electrons that exhibit UV-Visible light absorption and emission. Modified GQDs enhance fluorescence-based sensing of Hg2+ and Fe3+ ions in water and wine samples, and they serve as reducing agents in synthesizing metal-graphene nanohybrids (e.g., Au or Pt), which improve electrocatalysis and glucose detection. To understand and optimize these materials, I've developed TDDFT models that simulate GQD optoelectronic properties, such as emission and absorbance characteristics relevant for ion detection and quantum confinement analysis. The characterization of these nanomaterials is challenging due to their size, requiring advanced techniques like HRTEM, EELS, and STEM-HAADF to investigate their size, nanostructure, and composition. These insights inform novel synthesis strategies to leverage unique nanomaterial attributes, such as fluorescence, size, and biocompatibility, for impactful scientific and industrial applications. For more information, please contact me at [email protected].

Research

I have worked on several key projects, including the development of Twisted Bilayer Graphene, Graphene Quantum Dots and Gold-Graphene Nanohybrids. I have participated in Horizon 2020 EU Projects such as MELON & ULTIMATE-I. My work focuses on producing and synthesizing novel graphene-derived nanomaterials for various electronic applications.

  • (1) Barrionuevo, S. D.; Fioravanti, F.; Nuñez, J. M.; Muñeton Arboleda, D.; Lacconi, G. I.; Bellino, M. G.; Aguirre, M. H.; Ibañez, F. J. Stacking-Configuration-Preserved Graphene Quantum Dots Electrochemically Obtained from CVD Graphene. J. Phys. Chem. C 2024, 128 (3), 1393–1403. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c06871.
  • (2) Llaver, M.; Barrionuevo, S. D.; Troiani, H.; Wuilloud, R. G.; Ibañez, F. J. Highly Selective and Sensitive Fluorescent Determination of Fe3+ within Alcoholic Beverages with 1,5-Diphenylcarbazone-Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots. Talanta Open 2023, 7, 100202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talo.2023.100202.
  • (3) Barrionuevo, S. D.; Fioravanti, F.; Nuñez, J. M.; Llaver, M.; Aguirre, M. H.; Bellino, M. G.; Lacconi, G. I.; Ibañez, F. J. Efficient Generation of Highly Crystalline Carbon Quantum Dots via Electrooxidation of Ethanol for Rapid Photodegradation of Organic Dyes. J. Mater. Chem. C 2023, 11 (34), 11719–11729. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TC01774E.
  • (4) Melia, L. F.; Barrionuevo, S. D.; Ibañez, F. J. Think Outside the Lab: Modeling Graphene Quantum Dots in Pandemic Times. J. Chem. Educ. 2022, 99 (2), 745–751. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.1c00879.
  • (5) Llaver, M.; Barrionuevo, S. D.; Prieto, E.; Wuilloud, R. G.; Ibañez, F. J. Functionalized Graphene Quantum Dots Obtained from Graphene Foams Used for Highly Selective Detection of Hg2+ in Real Samples. Anal. Chim. Acta 2022, 1232, 340422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2022.340422.
  • (6) Messina, M. M.; Barrionuevo, S. D.; Coustet, M. E.; Kreuzer, M. P.; Saccone, F. D.; dos Santos Claro, P. C.; Ibañez, F. J. Graphene and Carbon Dots for Photoanodes with Enhanced Performance. ACS Appl. Nano Mater. 2021, 4 (7), 7309–7318. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.1c01295.
  • (7) Gimenez, R.; Barrionuevo, S. D.; Berli, C. L. A.; Ibañez, F. J.; Bellino, M. G. Water-Graphene Environment Modulated by Coupled Nanopore Interplay. Mater. Chem. Phys. 2019, 232, 382–386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2019.05.005.
  • (8) Llaver, M.; Barrionuevo, S. D.; Nuñez, J. M. M.; Chapana, A.; Wuilloud, R. G.; Aguirre, M. H.; Ibañez, F. J. Fluorescent Graphene Quantum Dots-Enhanced Machine Learning for Accurate Detection and Quantification of Hg2+ and Fe3+ in Real Water Samples. Environ. Sci.: Nano 2024. https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EN00702B.
  • (9) Ventre, J*.; Barrionuevo, S. D.*; Nuñez, J. M.; Renna, A.; Aguirre, M. H.; Bellino, M. G.; Ibañez, F. J. GQDs toward the Spontaneous Synthesis of core-shell Au-graphene Nanohybrid for Non-enzymatic Glucose Detection. ACS Applied Nanomaterials 2024 (En Revisión) * Ambos primeros autores.

For more information, visit my Google Scholar profile.

Professional Experience

Post Doctoral Fellow: H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE) ULTIMATE-I & MELON PROJECTS

Universidad de Zaragoza | 09/2024 - 3/2026 | Zaragoza, Spain

As a postdoc researcher, my work is centered on the synthesis and characterization of Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) with a specific focus on exploring the electronic and magnetic properties of edge-localized states. The core objective is to understand how these states, which are strongly linked to symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phase transitions, emerge as we vary the size of the GQDs. In situ synthesis on a GdAu₂/Au(111) substrate at high temperatures ensures that the samples are free of contamination, allowing for precise characterization using Spin-Polarized Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (SP-STM) and Scanning Tunneling Spectroscopy (STS). These techniques help us visualize the edge states and map the electronic density of states (DOS), which is crucial for understanding the role of quantum confinement and the critical size threshold—around 5.5 nm—that triggers the appearance of these edge-localized states. My research is particularly relevant for fields like quantum computing and spintronics, as it aims to control the spin-polarization of edge states, potentially leading to more efficient, faster devices. Ultimately, this work contributes to the broader understanding of topological phase transitions in nanoscale systems and paves the way for future advancements in quantum electronics.

Doctoral Fellow: Graphene Derived Nanomaterials

INIFTA-CONICET | 04/2018 - Present | Buenos Aires, Argentina

Conducted research and led a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers in synthesizing and characterizing graphene-derived nanomaterials.

H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE)

Universidad de Zaragoza | 09/2022 - 11/2022 | Zaragoza, Spain

Focused on advanced characterization of graphene nanostructures using HRTEM and EELS. Synthesized and characterized Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) and developed novel procedures for transferring and cleaning ultra-clean graphene surfaces.

Teaching Assistant - Summer School

Universidad Nacional de La Plata | 02/2021 - 03/2021 | La Plata, Argentina

Taught Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials (Graphene and Others): Production, Properties, and Applications.

Teaching Assistant - Nanotechnology & Nanomaterials

Universidad Nacional de La Plata | 08/2018 - 08/2020 | La Plata, Argentina

Assisted in teaching Nanotechnology & Nanomaterials courses.

Visiting Researcher

INFIQC | 11/2018 - 12/2018 | Cordoba, Argentina

Conducted XPS and Raman characterization of Graphene Nanostructures.

Research Intern

INIFTA | 03/2016 - 03/2017 | La Plata, Argentina

Worked on research projects related to nanomaterials and electronics.

Summer Intern

Instituto Balseiro | 02/2015 - 03/2015 | San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Designed photonic and microwave devices.

Education

  • Doctorate in Engineering, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 2018 - 2024
  • Electronic Engineering, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 2011 - 2017
  • Electronic Technician, EPT N° 748, 2007 - 2010
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, 2024
  • IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate, 2024
  • Machine Learning Specialization, Stanford University, 2024

Skills

  • Graphene Derived Nanomaterials
  • CVD Synthesis of 2D Materials
  • Team Leadership
  • Process Modeling
  • Data Analysis
  • Design of Experiments
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Project Scheduling
  • MATLAB, C/C++, Python, ORCA

Strengths

Project Management & Team Work, Problem Solving, Innovation

Achivements

I have effectively produced nanomaterials for innovative approaches to tackling electronic, environmental, and analytical challenges using nanotechnology. I developed several new techniques to synthesize graphene-derived nanomaterials, advancing the field of electronics through precise control over graphene's properties.

My work on the synthesis and characterization of graphene, twisted bilayer graphene, GQDs, and CQDs has significantly contributed to the advancement of nanomaterials.

Contact Me

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: Santiago D. Barrionuevo