RESEARCH GROUP
Catalysis Research Center (CICAT)
ABOUT OUR Group
The Catalysis Research Center (CICAT) at the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) was established by resolution of the University Superior Council on September 24, 1986. Ten years later, it relocated its facilities to the UIS Guatiguará Campus, where it currently carries out its research, education, and extension activities. The Center was founded by Professors Aristóbulo Centeno and Álvaro Ramírez García, from the School of Chemical Engineering, and Edgar Páez Mozo, from the School of Chemistry, with the purpose of promoting research in catalysis and contributing to the country’s scientific and technological development.
Since its establishment, CICAT has focused its efforts on generating knowledge for the design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of catalytic materials, as well as on the development of chemical processes and technologies that address industrial, energy, and environmental needs. Its research has been directed toward developing solutions to challenges related to sustainability, the utilization of natural resources and waste, the valorization of local raw materials, and the production of fuels, chemical products, and high-value-added materials.
Víctor Gabriel
BALDOVINO MEDRANO
Research Group Director
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RESEARCH Lines
- Environmental Catalysis
- Surface Science and Kinetic Analysis
- Greenhouse Gas Removal and Valorization
- Photocatalysis and Photoelectrocatalysis
- Catalytic Materials and Processes for Enhanced Oil Recovery
- Kinetic Modeling
- Oleochemistry, Refining, and Biomass Valorization
- Selective Oxidation and Bio-Inspired Catalytic Systems for Selective Oxidation Processes
- Interfacial Processes
- Fuel Purification
- Advanced Catalyst Synthesis for Energy Carriers, Environmental Processes, and Fine Chemicals
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Senior or Associate Professors
Academic
Outputs
Programas académicos
FEATURED Publications
Equipo de foto-reacción con CO2 supercrítico para catálisis heterogénea con iluminación interna antisombra y agitación para suspensión de catalizador (Supercritical CO₂ Photoreactor for Heterogeneous Catalysis with Internal Shadow-Free Illumination and Agitation for Catalyst Suspension) Patent | 2025 | Colombian Patent No. NC2022/0012861, Resolución No. 41
Espacio especial para servicios o proyectos
Subtitulo de información adicional si se requiere
EXTENSION Services
SURFACE AREA DETERMINATION,
Porosity and CO₂ Capture
We offer specialized solid material characterization services using nitrogen (N₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) physisorption techniques for universities, research centers, industry, catalysis, adsorption, and energy applications. These analyses enable the determination of the adsorption/desorption isotherm, BET surface area, pore size distribution (BJH method), pore volume, and CO₂ capture capacity.
Materials: Fresh and spent catalysts, zeolites, MOFs, silicas, aluminas, activated carbons, among others.
Sectors Served: Petrochemicals and Refining, Catalysis, Advanced Materials, Energy and Environment, Universities and Research Centers.
Equipment: 3Flex Micromeritics
INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY SERVICE BY
Fourier Transform (FTIR-ATR)
We offer identification and characterization of liquid and solid materials using the Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) accessory. It is a rapid, non-destructive technique for the identification of functional groups and the chemical characterization of organic and inorganic materials, verification of raw materials and finished products, and comparison between fresh and used samples.
Equipment: Nicolet iS50 Infrared Spectrometer (Thermo Scientific)
SOLID ACIDITY ANALYSIS BY
Adsorbed Pyridine FTIR
We offer surface acidity characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with adsorbed pyridine as a probe molecule, a technique widely used for the characterization of heterogeneous catalysts. It enables the identification of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites, as well as the qualitative and semi-quantitative evaluation of surface acidity and the strength of acid sites through controlled desorption.
Note: Samples must be dry and contain the lowest possible moisture content. This analysis is not available for solids that cannot be pelletized.
Equipment: Borosilicate glass assembly connected to a Pfeiffer HiCube Eco Turbo pumping station and a Nicolet iS50 Infrared Spectrometer (Thermo Scientific).
CONTACT ANGLE MEASUREMENT
Using a Drop Shape Analyzer (DSA25E)
We offer contact angle measurement services using a DSA25E Drop Shape Analyzer, a technique widely used to evaluate the interaction between liquids and solid surfaces, providing information on wettability and surface energy.
OUR Team
Diana Paola
DUARTE DUARTE
PhD in Chemical Engineering
Edwing Alexander
VELASCO ROZO
PhD in Chemical Engineering
Fernando
MARTÍNEZ ORTEGA
PhD in Chemistry
Oscar Alberto
GAMBA VÁSQUEZ
PhD in Natural Sciences
Henry MARTÍNEZ QUIÑONEZ PhD in Chemistry
Nombre del miembro del grupo Máximo título académico
Nombre del miembro del grupo Máximo título académico
Nombre del miembro del grupo Máximo título académico
Nombre del miembro del grupo Máximo título académico
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Catalysis Research Center
Phone: +57 (607) 634 4000
Extension: 3502
Email: cicat@uis.edu.co – vicbaldo@uis.edu.co
Parque Tecnológico Guatiguará
Piedecuesta, Santander
Kilometro 2, Vía Refugio
Edificio de Investigaciones, Laboratorio 105
Office Hours
Monday to Friday
9:00 a.m. – noon.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.