Joaquín Rodríguez-López did his undergraduate studies at Tecnológico de Monterrey, where he performed research in electrochemistry with Prof. Marcelo Videa (2005). He then moved to nearby Texas to obtain a Ph.D. under the guidance of Prof. Allen J. Bard at the University of Texas at Austin (2010). He performed postdoctoral studies with Prof. Hector D. Abruña in Cornell University (2012). Joaquin’s group combines interests in electroanalytical chemistry and energy materials by developing chemically-sensitive methods for studying ionic and electronic reactivity in at electrode/electrolyte interfaces, highly-localized surface features and individual particles, and model electrodes of interest for energy storage, electrocatalysis, sensors, and environmental electrochemistry. Joaquin’s group strives to build a dynamic and diverse environment that generates original concepts in electrochemistry and that helps build the career of aspiring scientists and overall, excellent people. 

Interfacial electrochemistry; scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM); spectroelectrochemistry; automated electrochemistry; nanoelectrodes; batteries; electrocatalysis; graphene electrodes; redox polymers; electrochemical simulation; reactive oxygen species detection; sensors for health and environment. 

Our research focuses on characterizing heterogeneous electrode materials for elucidating their function and generating new strategies to advance electrochemical energy technologies and sensing. Our objective is to pioneer powerful methods of analysis at the nano- and micro-scale for understanding how electrode structure, shape and size, as well as the formation of chemical intermediates, impact the performance of materials and interfaces for batteries, electrocatalysts and photoelectrocatalysts. The Rodríguez-López group combines interests in analytical and materials chemistry.

Analytical focus. We use novel electrochemical and chemical probes for quantifying the impact of surface chemical and structural heterogeneities (e.g. defects, strain, sub-surface modifications) on the reaction kinetics and the evolution of interfacial reactivity. We aim at performing such analysis at the micro- and nano- scale and under relevant reacting conditions – that is, in situ and operando schemes. By doing so, we push the boundaries of state-of-the-art electrochemical analysis, performing measurements under challenging conditions such as in inert atmospheres or using sensitive chemistries. We carefully design experiments and chemical strategies together with computational methods for obtaining quantitative information. We make use of an array of electrochemical, spectroscopic, chemomechanical, and clean-room fabrication methods for testing new ideas in electron transfer, catalysis, energy storage, the detection and capture of environmentally-relevant species (ROS, CO₂), and sensors. Recently we have established the use of automated, robotic systems for characterizing electrochemical systems at high throughput. 

Materials focus. On the materials side, my group is motivated by the idea that we can control the reactivity of one electrode or of an entire electrochemical device, by designing nano-scale interactions. We have used this concept for ambitiously advancing a new type of redox flow battery based on size-exclusion and by exploring the impact of interfaces on energy storage, using ultra-thin electrodes made of graphene.  New avenues in the design of electrocatalytic platforms that leverage electrostatic effects on electron transfer processes, the uncovering of design rules for electrocatalysts, and the detection of reactive intermediates on materials relevant to energy and electrosynthesis technologies are a focus of our group. 

Our group highly values creativity, diversity, and a refreshing view of electrochemical reactivity using unique tools and approaches.

• Listed as a Teacher Ranked Excellent by their Students for three different courses (Chem 524-Electrochemical methods, Chem 420-Instrumental Characterization, and Chem 588-Physical Methods for Materials Chemistry) - Spring 2016, 2023, 2024, and Fall 2021, 2022, 2023. 
• 2024 University Scholar by the University of Illinois System
• 2023 School of Chemical Sciences Faculty Teaching Award
• 2022 The Analytical Scientist Top 40 Under 40 Power List
• 2021 Zhaowu Tian Prize for Energy Electrochemistry by the International Society of Electrochemistry
• 2021 IAspire Leadership Academy Fellow 
• 2020 Arthur F. Findeis Award for Achievements by a Young Analytical Scientist by the American Chemical Society Division of Analytical Chemistry
• 2018 Science News SN 10: Scientists to Watch
• 2017 Scialog Fellow by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement
• 2017 Royce W. Murray Young Investigator Award by the Society of Electroanalytical Chemistry.
• 2016 ECS-Toyota Young Investigator Fellowship.
• 2016 Sloan Research Fellow
• 2016 Distinguished Service Award, East-Central Illinois ACS Local Section
• 2014 Joint Center for Energy Research Storage (JCESR) – Director’s fund award
• 2015 Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) Starter Grant
• 2012 Young Investigator Award, Energy Materials Center at Cornell
• 2010 ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry Graduate Fellowship, sponsored by Eli Lilly
• 2006 First Place for Best Bachelor Thesis in Electrochemistry, Sociedad Mexicana de Electroquímica (SMEQ)

Department of Chemistry
University of Illinois
58 RAL, Box 33-5
600 South Mathews Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801

(217) 300-7354