• Development of nanometric devices

The IQMA develops "nanoscopic molecular gates" by the anchorage of molecules that act as "gate" in the opening of pores in the mesoporous system and allow the control of the access or exit substances from the inside to the solution or the opposite. In the medium term we intend to build "molecular doors" activated by ionic (pH, specific cations or anions, etc), electrochemical (redox processes) and photochemical impulses. These systems can be used in the manufacture of controlled releasing system. In this sense the IQMA is in collaboration with several Technological Centers for the controlled liberation of biocides (i.e. furniture industry), of anticorrosion agents (i.e. prevention of active degradation of concrete structures), etc.

Other fields of application are related to the use of nanoparticulated systems for the conventional development of sensors in thick-film technology and the use of nanoparticules as labels in immunoasssay protocols.

• Caracterization of substrates and culture medium.

In this area we perform chemical, physical and agronomic characterisation of recyclable materials that once treated, composted, etc., are useful as organic amendments, substrates or culture media, being applied in extensive agriculture and ornamental and fruit crops. Composting is a stabilization and treatment technology of organic residues whose objective is - between others - to generate a product (compost), useful in agriculture as source of organic matter and nutrients. Compost can be applied in the management of different types of biodegradable residues - with different origins-, specially solid and semisolid

We monitor the main parameters in the process specially temperature, moisture and air renovation-, studying and controlling their evolution. The characteristics of the final product in order to obtain a high quality product, with no negative side-effects are also important.