The QCI Centre

Consolidating innovation in colloidal chemistry

The QCI Centre is made up of two research groups: the Colloidal and Interfacial Chemistry Group and the Surface Chemistry Group, both with extensive experience at the Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). In addition, the Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Group from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences at the University of Barcelona (UB) is affiliated as an Associated Unit. The QCI Centre carries out technological innovation projects, funded by both public and private sources, in the fields of colloidal chemistry and advanced materials.

What makes us different

Our methodologies allows us to offer specific services to companies

Business focus and industrial scalability

Scientific rigor, high reliability of results, and strict confidentiality in all projects

Focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly processes

Ability to develop custom-made specialty materials

Research areas

Our work focuses on researching surfactant molecules and their self-aggregation processes, with the goal of designing and developing advanced materials for a wide range of technological applications.

Surfactants, self-aggregation and polymers

Research on molecular self-aggregation processes in multicomponent systems, with a special focus on phase behavior. Structural characterization of supramolecular aggregates (micelles, liquid crystals, vesicles, microemulsions) and determination of their physicochemical properties.

Materials

Application of molecular aggregates and colloidal dispersions as templates for the preparation of advanced nanostructured materials (meso- and macroporous materials, hydrogels, etc.) with highly controlled functional and structural properties.

Formulation

Design and development of tailor-made formulations based on the self-aggregation of surfactant molecules and colloidal surfactant systems (emulsions, nanoemulsions, suspensions, etc.). These formulations are targeted at a wide range of technological applications, including biomedicine, through precise control of their properties and functionality.

Encapsulation and controlled release

Study of the solubilization and encapsulation of active molecules in colloidal systems. Design and development of functionalized nanoparticles as vehicles for the controlled and targeted release of active ingredients for advanced biomedical applications.