Ángel Armada joins the 2D Foundry and EOSMAD groups as PhD researcher

Ángel Armada Ciotti comes from Galicia, where he studied Chemistry at the University of Santiago de Compostela. Last year, he completed his Master’s degree in Advanced Materials, Nanotechnology and Photonics at the Autonomous University of Madrid. After one first experience with the ICMM for this a master, he decided to pursuit his career here, and he started his PhD thesis last January at 2D Foundry and EOSMAD (Electroactive Oxides for Smart Devices) groups.

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 What have you worked on so far?

In my bachelor’s thesis, I focused on the synthesis, characterization, and topotactic transformations of two-dimensional materials through O²⁻ ion injection via solid electrolytes. More recently, during my master’s thesis, I worked on magnetic materials, specifically on the synthesis and characterization of synthetic antiferromagnetic thin films at ICMM, under the supervision of Rafael Pérez del Real and Jimena Soler Morala.

What will you work on? With whom?

I will work on solution-processed Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 ultrathin films to enhance their ferroelectric properties and enable their integration into low-power, flexible, and miniaturized electronic devices. The research will address three key challenges in this material system toward next-generation energy-efficient memory and sensing technologies, such as reducing crystallization temperatures; stabilizing metastable phases via strain engineering; and integrating free-standing membranes into 2D heterostructures. 
This work will be carried out under the supervision of Íñigo Bretos and Andrés Castellanos-Gómez, from EOSMAD and 2D Foundry groups, respectively.

Why ICMM? 

ICMM offers a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment with strong expertise in functional materials, thin films, and advanced characterization techniques. I am particularly motivated by the institute’s combination of fundamental research and technological impact, which aligns perfectly with my interests in ferroelectric materials and next-generation electronic devices.

And a personal touch: any hobbies? I enjoy different sports, travelling, listening to music, and watching movies and series. I like discovering new places and cultures.

What would you like to contribute to the institute? 

I hope to contribute mainly through my research, while also being open to collaboration and everyday interaction within the group.