Claudio Della Volpe

Claudio Della Volpe is an Associate Professor of Applied Physical Chemistry at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering (DICAM), University of Trento's Faculty of Engineering. He joined the university in 1995 as a researcher and transitioned to his current role in 2014. Previously, he was a tenured researcher at the University of Naples (1984–1995).

Education:
Graduated in Chemistry (110/110 cum laude) from the University of Naples Federico II (1976), with a thesis on NMR spectroscopy of alkylurea aqueous solutions. He holds a professional chemist qualification.

Research Focus:
His work spans thermodynamics (equilibrium/irreversible), surface modification via contact angle/AFM/RF plasma, energy analysis (EROEI), climatology, and industrial safety. Key methodologies include:

• Surface energy calculation and wetting/dewetting measurement techniques
• Polymer-based monument protection
• Lifecycle analysis for energy technologies

Awards:

• Top-50 Cited Article Award (Elsevier, 2004–2007) for surface energy research
• Surface Innovations 2018 Award for terminology standardization in wettability

Leadership: Served as local lead for EU project 'Pecticoat' (biomaterial adhesion) and CNR biomaterials initiatives. Represents academic staff in university governance and safety committees.