Doctoral School

Reading date: 19/09/2025

• LU, XUAN: Metal-Decorated Ceria-Based Reducible Oxide Catalysts for CO2 Transformation
  
  Author: LU, XUAN
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN CHEMICAL PROCESS ENGINEERING
  Department: Department of Chemical Engineering (EQ)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 16/07/2025
  Reading date: 19/09/2025
  Reading time: 11:00
  Reading place: EEBE Sala Polivalent, Edif. ICampus Diagonal Besòs, Av. Eduard Maristany, 16 08019 Barcelonahttps://eebe.upc.edu/ca/lescola/com-arribar
  Thesis director: LLORCA PIQUE, JORDI | CABOT CODINA, ANDREU
  Thesis abstract: Noble metal clusters and single atoms have been considered as effective co-catalysts for the enhancement of carbon dioxide hydrogenation due to their singular geometric structures, electronic properties and unique reactivity. Nevertheless, the design of a low-cost and easy synthesis procedure for ultrasmall metal species is an urgent yet challenging task. In this thesis, we have synthesized CeO2-based catalysts decorated with non-noble metals (Cu and Ni) and bimetallic clusters (Cu-Ga) through hydrothermal and mechanochemical processes for CO2 transformation. In Chapter 3, bimetallic clusters (Cu-Ga) loaded on Ce0.9Zr0.1O2 are synthesized and characterized, and their catalytic performance for methanol production was investigated. By maintaining a constant total amount of Cu and Ga while varying the Cu/Ga ratio, we demonstrate that modifying the support surface with an optimal Cu/Ga ratio enhances CO2 adsorption and activation. This improvement stems from the compensatory generation of H2 dissociation at Ga sites, which directly interact with oxygen vacancies-a critical factor in the catalytic process.In Chapter 4, CeO2 exposing preferentially {001}, {110} and {111} facets are prepared and loaded with Ni monometallic clusters to investigate their unique catalytic properties for CO2 methanation. Experimental characterization reveals that Ni supported on CeO2 nanorods exposing {110} and {111} facets exhibited the highest activity.In Chapter 5, I analyze the effect of different highly-dispersed copper on CeO2 for the reverse water-gas shift reaction (RWGS). I systematically examine both the copper loading amount and the preparation method (ball milling versus conventional incipient wetness impregnation), observing significant differences in catalytic activity. To elucidate the enhanced Cu-CeO2 interaction induced by ball milling, I conduct comprehensive characterization (XRD, XPS, N2O Titration and in situ DRIFT et. al) studies to determine copper speciation at varying dispersion levels and to clarify the reaction mechanism. In Chapter 6, the effect of the introduction of Ga to Cu/CeO2 for thermostability during the RWGS reaction is studied. To improve the stability of Cu/CeO2 catalysts, a strategy through Ga incorporation is developed, achieving an optimal balance between activity and stability for the RWGS reaction. It is also observed that Ga doping in the CeO2 support effectively suppresses Cu aggregation during reduction treatments by modulating both CeO2 reducibility and electron transfer from CeO2 to Cu.
  

Reading date: 22/09/2025

• BAGHERZADE GHAZVINI, MINA: A Data-driven Intelligent Decision Support Framework for Process Operation Management. An Application to Gas Turbine Process.
  
  Author: BAGHERZADE GHAZVINI, MINA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
  Department: Department of Computer Science (CS)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 25/07/2025
  Reading date: pending
  Reading time: pending
  Reading place: pending
  Thesis director: SANCHEZ MARRE, MIQUEL | ANGULO BAHON, CECILIO
  Thesis abstract: This thesis presents a data-driven framework for enhancing the management and maintenance of industrial processes, exemplified through a case study involving gas turbines. The research focuses on several key areas: preprocessing operational data, identifying operational modes, analysing transitions between these modes, and detecting patterns for predictive maintenance. The research proposal begins with detailed data preprocessing to ensure the quality and usability of data. It then introduces methods for automatically recognising distinct operational modes using an ensemble of clustering techniques The research also explores the modelling of transitions between these operational states, capturing the dynamic nature of industrial processes. Furthermore, the Cluster-based Matrix Profile method is proposed to detect significant operational patterns that indicate potential issues or efficiencies, essential for developing predictive maintenance strategies. Overall, the framework developed in this thesis offers a systematic approach to improve decisionmaking, reliability, and efficiency in managing industrial processes. Although initially applied to gas turbines, this framework holds the potential for broader applications across various industrial systems.
  

• GAMBOA RIVERA, JILLIAN TRICIA: Development of conducting materials as electrodes for biomedical sensors
  
  Author: GAMBOA RIVERA, JILLIAN TRICIA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN POLYMERS AND BIOPOLYMERS
  Department: Department of Chemical Engineering (EQ)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 13/06/2025
  Reading date: 22/09/2025
  Reading time: 11:30
  Reading place: ESCOLA D'ENGINYERIA BARCELONA ESTSALA POLIVALENT EDIFICI IEDF. I, PLANTA 0, ESPAI I.0.1AVDA. EDUARD MARISTANY 16 (08019) BARCELONA934137400
  Thesis director: TORRAS COSTA, JUAN | ESTRANY CODA, FRANCISCO
  Thesis abstract: The cost of healthcare is an increasing concern worldwide, driven by the emergence of new diseases as well as the progression of lifestyle-related conditions. For this reason, expenditure on healthcare-related research is expected to rise over the next decade. One of the main lines of research is biosensors, which have shown great potential in improving patient care, as demonstrated by the success of sensors such as glucometers. Biosensors can aid not only in disease detection but also in the regular monitoring of a patient’s status.In this work, new materials based on conducting polymers and carbon quantum dots were developed for use as electrodes in various biosensors. The work is divided into four different parts, each focusing on a different material and application. In the first part, a thin film electrode was developed based on the carbon quantum dot doping of PEDOT, which was synthesized via electropolymerization. Doping quantity optimization and as well as chemical and morphological characterizations were performed on the films. The films were then deposited on substrate and on an organic electrochemical transistor for the electrochemical detection of dopamine. In the second part, carbon quantum dots were used in an immunosensor. The carbon quantum dots were first immobilized on the surface of a carbon electrode to enhance electroconductivity then functionalized with antibodies to obtain a highly selective sensor. Electrochemical and chemical characterizations were performed for each subsequent layer. Finally, the resulting immunosensor was tested against the D-dimer antigen via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The third and fourth parts focus on conducting polymer hydrogel, wherein the main hydrogel matrix was mixed with the conducting polymer, PEDOT:PSS, along with other additives. In the third part, the main hydrogel used was PVA modified with tannic acid for strength and carbon quantum dot for electroactivity enhancement; while the fourth part is a GelMA-based hydrogel modified with alginate. In both works, optimization of the additive amounts was performed and as well as the investigation of the individual and synergistic effects of the components on various characteristics such as mechanical and electrochemical properties. Finally, the PVA-based hydrogel was used as a pressure sensor, while the GelMA-based hydrogel was employed as a 3D cell culture platform for an impedance-based cell monitoring system.Overall, this PhD work demonstrated the application of various techniques and materials in the development of novel conductive biomaterials for biomedical sensors. These innovative materials could serve as a foundation for next-generation biosensors, with the potential to enhance patient care and quality of life.
  

• SAVALL MAÑO, MARIA: Towards a more sustainable B2C delivery in Barcelona: bridging consumer, parcel carrier, and municipal perspectives
  
  Author: SAVALL MAÑO, MARIA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
  Department: Department of Management (OE)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 15/07/2025
  Reading date: 22/09/2025
  Reading time: 17:00
  Reading place: Seminari I DOE-ETSEIB, planta 7
  Thesis director: RIBAS VILA, IMMACULADA
  Thesis abstract: The rapid growth of e-commerce is worsening the negative effects of urban distribution on cities. Although the last-mile segment comprises only a small part of the supply chain, its impact is disproportionately high in terms of noise, congestion, emissions, and public space use. As online shopping expands, the distribution model has remained largely unchanged, with companies simply adding more delivery vehicles to meet demand. This vehicle increase intensifies negative urban impacts, and Barcelona is no exception.Given the significant social, environmental, and economic consequences of the current urban distribution model for online purchases, exploring and implementing alternative approaches is essential. This requires considering the perspectives of all stakeholders involved in or influencing urban e-commerce distribution: consumers, parcel carriers, and municipalities. Understanding these perspectives helps identify the actions each group must take to transition toward more sustainable distribution models. This thesis proposes and analyses sustainable B2C distribution solutions for Barcelona by bridging these three perspectives, aiming to reduce noise, congestion, and pollution while improving public spaces.First, the perspective of consumers is examined. The literature highlights that e-commerce consumer behaviour is highly location-dependent; thus, a dedicated survey is conducted among Barcelona consumers. Analysis revealed four distinct consumer clusters: occasional male shoppers, who shop online once or less per month and prefer home delivery; frequent male shoppers, who shop more than three times per month and also favour home delivery; regular female shoppers, who shop once or twice per month and tend to use collection points; and occasional female shoppers, who shop online once or less per month and also prefer home delivery. To encourage greener delivery choices, increasing home delivery costs may influence occasional shoppers, while alternative strategies are needed for frequent male shoppers.Second, the perspective of parcel carriers is analysed. The literature suggests that Out-of-Home Delivery (OOHD) options and Urban Consolidation Centres (UCCs) support more sustainable distribution. Based on the characteristics of parcel carriers in Barcelona, a methodology is designed to identify optimal locations for these infrastructures and quantify associated transport and environmental costs. Implementing OOHD and UCCs in Barcelona is evaluated across various carrier types and scenarios. Results show both strategies reduce costs, with the greatest benefits observed when transhipment spaces and trolleys are used by high- and medium-volume carriers. For low-volume carriers, delivering 50% of parcels to collection points offers greater savings than using transhipment spaces.Third, the municipal government’s perspective is considered. The literature identifies designated loading and unloading time windows and road pricing strategies as possible regulatory tools to reduce freight distribution impacts. These measures are adapted to Barcelona’s context. Simulations show that avoiding peak hours with time windows significantly reduces economic impacts. To further reduce B2C externalities, introducing a strategic, variable fee for L/U area use proves even more effective.Through its methodologies and results, this thesis demonstrates the potential to reduce the impact of B2C distribution in Barcelona. Moreover, the findings offer a valuable resource not only for local authorities and parcel carriers seeking to lower economic and environmental costs but also for other cities facing similar challenges.
  

Reading date: 23/09/2025

• ABUASAKER, WALAA: A Contribution to Group Decision Aiding by means of Multi-Perceptual Unbalanced Linguistic Assessments.
  
  Author: ABUASAKER, WALAA
  Thesis file: (contact the Doctoral School to confirm you have a valid doctoral degree and to get the link to the thesis)
  Programme: DOCTORAL DEGREE IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS
  Department: School of Mathematics and Statistics (FME)
  Mode: Normal
  Deposit date: 28/07/2025
  Reading date: 23/09/2025
  Reading time: 14:00
  Reading place: Sala de Juntes de la FME, Edifici U, Campus Sud
  Thesis director: SANCHEZ SOLER, MONICA | AGELL JANÉ, NÚRIA
  Thesis abstract: In decision-aiding environments under uncertainty, assessments are often expressed in linguistic terms whose meanings can vary significantly between individuals. In this thesis, this variation is modeled through the concept of a linguistic perceptual map, grounded in the lattice structure of hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets. Each individual or group is associated with a unique linguistic perceptual map reflecting their interpretation of linguistic assessments. This doctoral research introduces a novel framework for projecting and aggregating individual assessments onto a common perceptual map, enabling the derivation of a central opinion and an associated measure of consensus. This thesis extensively studies the mathematical properties of the projection function. The thesis provides a theorem proving that the projection function is a monomorphism between lattices. In addition, it is also proven that this projection function preserves crucial order relations. Furthermore, this thesis progresses beyond existing research by introducing an interpretation function. This function facilitates the translation of the aggregated result from the common perceptual map back to each individual’s original linguistic perceptual map. The properties of the interpretation function are also subject to analysis, demonstrating its role in preserving previous order relations, despite not being a morphism. This doctoral research presents a multi-perceptual collective decision-aiding methodology built on the mathematical concepts introduced in this work. Finally, to illustrate the practicality of the proposed methodology, it is applied to three real-world case studies. The first analyzes data of ratings from the Amazon Books platform, the second considers data from the Too Good To Go platform to explore public interest in food waste reduction, and the third examines data of news coverage across European countries concerning the Israel-Gaza war.