Miguel Mena Montoro

Miguel Mena Montoro is a Full Professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Alcalá. With a research career spanning over three decades, he leads the Metalocubanos - Metallocubanes research group, focusing on molecular metal nitrides, oxides, and sulfides. His work bridges fundamental inorganic chemistry with potential applications in catalytic nitrogen fixation.

Professor Mena Montoro's research centers on molecular metal clusters, particularly titanium-based systems for dinitrogen activation and conversion to ammonia under ambient conditions. His work explores low-valent transition metal complexes, multinuclear structures, and the reactivity of bridging ligands in polynuclear systems. The research has evolved from fundamental studies of molecular nitrides to more applied work on developing alternatives to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process.

His recent publications (2022-2018) demonstrate consistent high-impact output in journals such as Angewandte Chemie, Inorganic Chemistry, and Chemistry - A European Journal. The work shows a clear progression toward understanding and optimizing dinitrogen binding and conversion using titanium-based molecular systems. Key themes include the stabilization of low-valent species, small molecule activation, and the structural characterization of novel multinuclear complexes.

Professor Mena Montoro has secured consistent research funding through multiple projects with Universidad de Alcalá and Spanish government agencies. His projects typically range from €3,000 to over €135,000, with recent work focusing on titanium complexes for nitrogen activation. The collaborative nature of his research is evident in the extensive co-authorship networks across Spanish institutions.

The Metalocubanos - Metallocubanes research group provides students with hands-on experience in advanced synthetic inorganic chemistry, spectroscopic characterization, and structural analysis. The group actively participates in national and international scientific conferences, contributing to the broader field of molecular catalysis and small molecule activation.