Departamento de Investigación en Física at Universidad de Sonora, Mexico
Rafael García Gutiérrez is a full-time professor and senior researcher at the Universidad de Sonora 🇲🇽, specializing in optoelectronic materials, solar energy, and lithium-ion batteries ☀🔋. He is a Level 2 Researcher in Mexico’s National System of Researchers (SNI) 🏅 and holds a PRODEP profile (RO2023). With a Ph.D. in Materials Science from UNAM-CICESE 🎓, he has postdoctoral experience at Arizona State University 🇺🇸. His work includes solar cells, hydrogen photovoltaics, and electroluminescent devices. He has led national energy initiatives, served as President of the National Solar Energy Association, and actively collaborates in renewable energy research 🌱⚡.
Professional Profile
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Education & Experience 🎓💼
Education 📚
✅ Ph.D. in Materials Science – UNAM-CICESE, 2001 🧪
✅ M.Sc. in Materials Science – UNAM-CICESE, 1998 🔬
✅ B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering – Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora, 1989 🏭
Experience 🏢
🔹 2008 – Present: Professor-Researcher, Universidad de Sonora 🎓🔬
🔹 2024 – 2025: Sabbatical at the Instituto de Energías Renovables-UNAM ☀🏡
🔹 2015 – 2016: Sabbatical at the Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, UNAM 🏗⚛
🔹 2004 – 2008: Researcher, Department of Physics, Arizona State University 🇺🇸
🔹 2002 – 2004: Postdoctoral Fellow, Arizona State University 🔍
🔹 1997 – 2002: Lecturer, Universidad de Baja California 🎓
🔹 1990 – 1997: Operations Manager, PEMEX 🏭⚡
🔹 1988 – 1990: Oil Extraction Plant Supervisor, GAMESA 🌿🛢
Professional Development 📈🏆
Rafael García Gutiérrez has built a strong academic and research career in solar energy, battery storage, and advanced optoelectronic materials 🌞🔋. His expertise spans nanomaterials, photovoltaics, and hydrogen energy systems ⚛⚡. He has conducted multiple international research stays, including at Arizona State University (6 years) and the University of California, San Diego (1 year) 🌍🔬. His leadership extends to national and international energy organizations, including serving as President of the National Solar Energy Association (ANES) 🏅☀. He has also been a technical advisor for renewable energy policies in Mexico and is actively involved in research collaborations on sustainable energy solutions 🌱⚡.
Research Focus 🔍🔬
His research focuses on renewable energy and optoelectronic materials 🌞⚡. He works on:
✔ Solar energy conversion and photovoltaic hydrogen production ☀🔋
✔ Lithium-ion batteries and next-generation energy storage systems 🔋🔬
✔ Electroluminescent materials for lighting and displays 💡📱
✔ Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, including nanodiamonds, III-nitrides, and complex oxides 🏗🧪
✔ Development of high-efficiency solar cells and sustainable energy technologies ⚡🌍
Awards & Honors 🏅🎖
🏆 President, National Solar Energy Association (2022 – 2024) ☀
🏅 Level 2 Researcher, CONACYT SNI (2022) 🔬
🏆 Vice President, National Solar Energy Association (2020 – 2022) ☀
🥇 Poster Award 1st Place, XLI National Solar Energy Week (2017) 📜
🎓 Fulbright García-Robles Fellowship, Arizona State University (2013) 🇺🇸
📚 CONACYT Postdoctoral Fellowship, Arizona State University (2002) 🔬
📖 CONACYT Mixed Fellowship, University of California San Diego (1999) 🎓
Publication Top Notes
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CdS Thin Films Doped with Ag by Ion Exchange
- Authors: SR Ferrá-González, D Berman-Mendoza, R García-Gutiérrez, SJ Castillo, et al.
- Journal: Optik, 2014
- Citations: 48
- Summary: Investigates the optical and structural properties of CdS thin films doped with Ag using ion exchange. This study is important for optoelectronic applications.
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Low-Temperature Hot Filament CVD of Ultrananocrystalline Diamond Films
- Authors: JJ Alcantar-Peña, J Montes, MJ Arellano-Jimenez, JEO Aguilar, et al.
- Journal: Diamond and Related Materials, 2016
- Citations: 44
- Summary: Examines the deposition of ultrananocrystalline diamond films with adjustable sheet resistance for electronic power device applications.
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Single ZnO Nanowire-Based Gas Sensors for Hydrogen Detection
- Authors: MN Cardoza-Contreras, JM Romo-Herrera, LA Ríos, R García-Gutiérrez, et al.
- Journal: Sensors, 2015
- Citations: 43
- Summary: Develops and tests a ZnO nanowire-based gas sensor capable of detecting low hydrogen concentrations.
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Photoluminescence of Cerium-Doped ZnO Nanorods
- Authors: JL Cervantes-López, R Rangel, J Espino, E Martínez, R García-Gutiérrez, et al.
- Journal: Applied Physics A, 2017
- Citations: 28
- Summary: Explores the photoluminescence properties of cerium-doped ZnO nanorods grown via atomic layer deposition and hydrothermal methods.
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Afterglow, Thermoluminescence, and Optical Properties of Diamond Films
- Authors: JA Montes-Gutiérrez, JJ Alcantar-Peña, E de Obaldia, NJ Zúñiga-Rivera, et al.
- Journal: Diamond and Related Materials, 2018
- Citations: 22
- Summary: Characterizes micro-, nano-, and ultrananocrystalline diamond films grown on silicon using hot filament CVD.