UNIMORE – University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

Role of the Research Unit in ZAPPING

• Physical-chemical characterization of zeolites at room pressure
• Chemical and spectroscopic (NMR) characterization of the material obtained from large scale-production

Members

Prof. Giovanna Vezzalini (R.U. Coordinator)
Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra
Full Professor
mariagiovanna.vezzalini@unimore.it

The research activity of Giovanna Vezzalini is related to both applied and fundamental research and regarded in particular the crystal-chemical and structural study of zeolites, with many significant contributions. In the initial years of her career Giovanna Vezzalini studied the thermal behavior of many zeolitic phases contributing to the structural schematization of the involved processes. The study of the behavior of zeolite materials under high pressure, performed in more recent years, is of fundamental importance due to the impact of this thermodynamic parameter on their structure, stability, and consequently on their applications.

Dr. Erika Ferrari
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
Researcher
erika.ferrari@unimore.it

The research carried out by Dr. Erika Ferrari is focused in the field of chemistry of coordination compounds, in particular in the field of bio-inorganic and medicinal inorganic chemistry; the research shows a strong interdisciplinary while maintaining the central pharmaceutical context in which it is inserted. Dr. Ferrari has expertise in the development and characterization of metal-ligand either of natural or synthetic origin and, in particular, in the thermodynamic study in solution by means of polarographic techniques and NMR spectroscopy. She is also an expert in the in vitro study of metal trafficking, to evaluate and correlate the effectiveness sequestering metal homeostasis in biological systems. The expertise of Dr. Ferrari has enabled it to establish numerous interdisciplinary collaborations, highlighting her ability to address new issues and problems.

Prof. Monica Saladini
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
Full Professor
monica.saladini@unimore.it

Prof. Monica Saladini researches have always been dedicated to studies in the field of bio-inorganic chemistry, such as the study of model systems containing metal-amino acids and the development of systems for the delivery of metals in biological systems. She is currently the Head of the Department of Chemistry and Geology at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.

Dr. Michelangelo Polisi
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
PhD Student
michelangelo.polisi@unimore.it

Michelangelo Polisi graduated in September 2016 in Geology at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (110/110 cum laude) under the supervision of Prof. Vezzalini with a thesis entitled “Synthesis and characterization of hybrid materials zeolite / dye “.
Currently he is attending the first year of the doctorate school “Models and Methods For Materials and Environmental Sciences” of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Title of PhD thesis:.
“Advanced hybrid materials by confinement of organic molecules in zeolites”

Dr. Riccardo Fantini
Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche e Geologiche
Master Student

Riccardo Fantini graduated  in October 2016 in Geology at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (110/110 cum laude) under the supervision of Prof. Vezzalini, with a thesis entitled “Dealumination of zeolite Faujasite: preliminary stages”. He is currently a student of the Master course “Geological Science and Technology” and is involved in a thesis regarding the synthesis of hydrophobic zeolites in collaboration with the ” Charles Gerhard Institute “of Montpellier.