Hybrid organic/silicon-based coatings were deposited on Al 99.99% substrates using three different techniques: wet deposition, atmospheric plasma and vacuum plasma. Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, infrared (IRSE) and visual (VISSE), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Field Emission Auger Electron Spectroscopy (FE-AES) were used to investigate film structure, chemical composition and surface morphology. Preliminary analysis of the coating solutions was performed with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS).

Dip coating was used to deposit Bis-1,2-(TriethoxySilyl)Ethane (BTSE) layers with inclusion of CeO2 nanoparticles for added functional properties. SEM micrographs and AES depth profiles showed the ceria distribution and agglomeration in the layers.

Plasma-polymerized films from BTSE were deposited on aluminium by atmospheric plasma. Both XPS and infrared measurements revealed the presence of silicon under Si-O state.

Inductively coupled radio frequency glow discharge plasma was used for the deposition of plasma-polymerized film from hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO).

The deposited films consist of groups such as Si-O-Si, Si-CH3, and CH3. They can be considered as polymer-like coatings, comparable to the silane layers obtained by the deposition methods described above.

Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) (March 2007-Present) - Dept. Metallurgy, Electrochemistry and Materials Science (META)

• Post-doctoral researcher – Research on functional properties by mixed nano organic/metal oxide systems (FOMOS)

 Columbia University in the City of New York (January 2002 – Present)

• Course Manager for Columbia Video Network, the graduate distance learning program of Columbia University's School of Engineering & Applied Science.
  Responsible for the courses of: Corrosion of Metals, Industrial Electrochemistry, Aquatic Chemistry, and Processing Metals and Semiconductors

EDUCATION

Columbia University in the City of New York

• Ph.D. in Earth and Environmental Engineering, June 2006
  Thesis: Removal of Arsenic from Water: An Electrochemical Investigation

• Other projects:

  • Corrosion tests for assessing the properties of Engelhard soap products on stainless steel and studying the anti-corrosion effect of some additives.

  • Corrosion tests of a specific Kraft beverage product on stainless steel.

  • Recycling of pure Cd from photovoltaic cells.

• Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Engineering, February 2001
  Thesis: Glass Recycling: Separation of Colors through flotation

State University of New York at Stony Brook

• Bachelor of Engineering, summa cum laude, in Materials Science and Engineering, May 1999

University “La Sapienza” of Rome (Italy)

• Student in Earth and Environmental Engineering, 1994-1996