About
The IQTCUB is integrated by more than 60 researchers, experts in several fields of the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
- About IQTC
  The Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry of the Universitat de Barcelona (IQTCUB) is integrated by more than 60 researchers, experts in several fields of the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry. The research activity carried out at the IQTCUB covers methods and computational tools development, application of several techniques of electronic structures and simulation to problems in materials science, the study of reactivity and reaction dynamics in chemical reactions as well as of biological systems and soft-matter. The main goal is to generate synergies between researchers encouraging the interdisciplinary activities that allow to tackle new challenges. Another important goal is to share expertise in handling the computational resources, which are the main tools in this type of research. See the IQTCUB director’s welcome. For a more detailed information see the 2017 IQTCUB Scientific Activity Report and the XRQTC disseminating video.
- Director’s welcome
  The Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry of the Universitat de Barcelona (IQTCUB) was created by the university Government Board on 27th November 2007 involving professors and researchers of different departments of the Faculties of Chemistry and Physics of the Universitat de Barcelona. Nowadays, also some groups of the Faculty of Pharmacy belong to the Institute. The common theme of the research projects conducted at the Institute is the use of methods that are rooted in quantum chemistry, recently it is also open to experimental groups of our Departments with deep collaborations with those focusing on computational chemistry. This should help to increase the multidisciplinary character of our research. Although traditionally the research at IQTCUB is mainly focused on chemistry, it is different from one would expect of a traditional chemist. Indeed, the common tools employed by the researchers at IQTCUB do not belong to a typical laboratory, but to a virtual computational “laboratory”. This “laboratory” is usually a gateway to our computational resources or to the supercomputing centers with even larger computacional facilities. The main goal of theoretical and computational chemistry is to achieve a detailed understanding of chemical and physical processes in order to assist in the interpretation…
- Direction team
  Direction team Prof. Eliseo Ruiz Sabin Director Prof. Jordi Poater Teixidor Secretary Prof. Iberio de P. Ribeiro Moreira Treasurer Prof. Francesc Illas i Riera Board Member
- Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Commission
- IQTCUB Annual Reports
  Here are of the annual IQTCUB activity reports that are available to download: IQTCUB report of 2018 ( CAT | ENG ) IQTCUB report of 2017 ( CAT | ENG ) IQTCUB report of 2016 ( CAT | ENG ) IQTCUB report of 2015 ( CAT | ENG ) IQTCUB report of 2014 ( CAT | ENG ) IQTCUB report of 2013 ( CAT | ENG ) IQTCUB report of 2012 ( CAT | ENG ) IQTCUB report of 2011 ( CAT ) IQTCUB report of 2010 ( CAT ) IQTCUB report of 2009 and 2008 ( CAT )
- XRQTC disseminating video
  You are welcome to see this video elaborated by XRQTC.This is a project done with the support of Direccio General de Recerca de la Generalitat de Catalunya through AGAUR. Authors: Xavier Gimenez (UB), Lourdes Vega (Matgas), Jean Didier Marechal (UAB).
- Contact IQTC
Research
The IQTC is working in three main Research Areas and publishes 150 articles in the most prestigious international Journals
- Research Areas
- Staff Directory
  Staff Directory
- Postdocs and PhDs
- Computational Resources
- Publications
- Highlights
- Software development
- Article Covers
Education & Outreach
The IQTC contributes to initiate chemistry undergraduate students to the discipline or to improve previous knowledge in Computational Chemistry
Open Positions
The IQTC work in the Promotion and encouragement of research and helps young students initiate a Scientific Career
News & Events
Check out the latest news and the updated Agenda of the IQTC
- IQTC Calendar

Events

Home | Conferences & Seminars

Talk by Maytal Caspary from Technion Israel Institue of Technology

Recent advances in modeling Fe2O3 for water splitting catalysis”

Abstract:

Iron(III) oxide (α-Fe2O3) is widely considered a promising material for converting solar energy through oxidizing water. In this talk, I will highlight several of our insights that result from modeling water oxidation with Fe2O3. We rule out the existence of a stable peroxo Fe–O–O–Fe adsorbate and show that the origin of a surface absorption peak could be a Fe–O· type bond that functions as an essential intermediate of water oxidation. In agreement with experiment, we find that α-Al2O3 coverage decreases the overpotential required for water oxidation on α-Fe2O3. We explain this improvement through the decrease in the work function of α-Fe2O3 upon α-Al2O3 coverage that aids in extracting electrons during the water oxidation reaction. We also model a nano-Fe2O3 sheet and conclude that Fe2O3 should be grown on a substrate with a similar lattice constant to reduce strain and improve catalytic efficiency. This research contributes to understanding the chemical nature and role of electrode electronic surface states, which is crucial for improved electrochemical cell operation.