Dr. Paula Macarena Abdala

Bio

Paula M. Abdala studied chemical engineering at National Technological University, Mendoza, Argentina (2002) and obtained her PhD in material science from the University of San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina (2010), studying structure–performance relationships in materials for solid oxide fuel cells. She then moved to France, where she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. She joined Christoph Müller's group at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, in 2014 where she is currently employed as a scientist. Her research focuses on obtaining structure–performance relationships in CO₂ sorbents and catalysts for CO₂ valorization using advanced X-ray based characterization techniques.

Research area

The focus of her research is to understand the interplay between structure and function in materials for sustainable chemical and energy applications, such as heterogeneous catalysts, CO₂ sorbents and fuel cells. She uses synchrotron X-rays techniques to reveal the structure of the materials at working conditions and at different lengths and time scales. Among other projects, she works on the development of operando methods in collaboration with other researchers at LESE and at the synchrotron facilities. Combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy with X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and Pair Distribution Function analysis are key components of their operando toolbox to interrogate the structure of a material at work. The aim is to provide the basis for the design of new efficient materials.

Diversity statement

She firmly believes that diversity and critical thinking are essential drivers of scientific progress and innovation.