PEDRO RODRIGUEZ DAFONTE

Pedro Rodriguez Dafonte is a Professor in the Department of Physical Chemistry at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Faculty of Chemistry. His research focuses on chemical reactivity in biomimetic media, microemulsions, and surfactant systems. He leads the ReactyCat research group (Reactivity and Catalysis) and holds a PhD from the University of Vigo (2001), advised by Dr. Juan Carlos Mejuto Fernández and Dr. Pablo Hervés Beloso.

His research interests span reaction mechanisms in micellar and microemulsion environments, cyclodextrin complexation effects, ionic liquid-based media, and supramolecular assemblies. Key areas include aggregation phenomena, nucleophilic substitutions, and catalytic processes within structured media. His work emphasizes molecular interactions in confined environments and their practical applications.

Pedro's studies explore how microemulsions and cyclodextrin complexes modulate chemical reactivity, with applications in catalysis, environmental chemistry, and materials science. He has contributed extensively to understanding ion binding dynamics, phase behavior of ionic liquids, and mechanistic pathways in amphiphilic systems.

His publications highlight advancements in aggregation number determination (via STAND-ITC methodology), pseudorotaxane formation kinetics, and comparative studies of anion receptors like pillararenes vs calixarenes. Research also addresses CO2 absorption mechanisms and the role of second liquid phases in chemical processes.

Pedro participates in collaborative projects involving supramolecular nanoparticles, novel surfactant systems, and the design of reaction media for enhanced nucleophilicity. His work bridges fundamental physical chemistry with applied industrial and environmental challenges.