معرفی
Natalia García Rey is a Senior Researcher at the Electrochemical Unit of the University of Alicante (UA). Her work focuses on understanding the physical-chemical mechanisms of charge storage in energy storage systems using ultrafast spectroscopic techniques like sum-frequency generation (SFG) and femtosecond lasers. Collaborating with Prof. Climent at UA, she investigates adsorption dynamics of the electrical double layer with microsecond resolution and molecular sensitivity. Her research spans interdisciplinary projects, including CO2 electroreduction, Li-ion battery interfaces, and photoswitchable molecules for light-mediated manipulation of superstructures at interfaces.
- Education: PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Liverpool (UoL) under Dr. Arnolds, with a thesis on plasmons in photochemical reactions and photodesorption of NO mediated by hot holes. M.Sc. in Physics from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), specializing in fabricating pyrite nanoparticles for photovoltaic cells.
Her research expertise includes surface dynamics, nonlinear optics, and spectroelectrochemical methodologies. She pioneered the use of SFG to study liquid/gas interfaces, demonstrating its quantitative potential in assessing double-layer potential beyond traditional thin-film techniques. Her work on energy storage systems, particularly supercapacitors and Li-ion batteries, integrates novel interrogation methods with molecular-level insights.
Scientific contributions include establishing three fully operational infrared spectroscopy laboratories using ultrafast lasers, a patent-pending spectroelectrochemical cell for in situ measurements, and collaborations with institutions like WWU Germany and UIUC. She has secured funding from the US Department of Energy and holds a María Zambrano grant to advance energy storage research.
- Scientific Awards: Woodruff Prize (IOP) 2011 for her PhD work.
Her career highlights include rebuilding SFG spectrometers after laser upgrades, exploring CO2 electroreduction mediated by ionic liquids, and advancing the application of ultrafast spectroscopies in previously unexplored domains like energy storage and light-responsive superstructures.
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