Xavier Solans-Monfort obtained the degree in Chemistry in 1998 and the PhD in Chemistry in 2003, both from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). His thesis focused on the modeling of zeolites and it was supervised by M. Sodupe and V. Branchadell. During the Ph.D., Xavier spent 3 months in J. Sauer’s group at the Humboldt University of Berlin and, 6 months in Professor P. Ugliengo’s group at the University of Torino.
In 2003, Xavier started a 3-years postdoctoral stay in the group of O. Eisenstein at CNRS – University of Montpellier II (2003 – 2006). During this period, his research activity focused on the computational study of the catalytic capacity in olefin metathesis of molecular catalysts supported on silica in close collaboration with C. Copéret and J. M. Basset. In 2006, Xavier earned a Ramón y Cajal position and returned to the UAB. His research activity during this period focused on the modeling of catalysis, both homogeneous and supported. The contributions on the activation of N2 by silica supported tantalum hydrides; and those centered on analyzing the factors controlling the catalytic activity in olefin metathesis of ruthenium catalysts are remarkable.
In December 2014, Xavier became Professor Agregat Serra Húnter (Associate Professor) at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and, since May 2025, He is full Professor in the same University. In the last years, Xavier become principal investigator of several research projects and his scientific interests evolved towards the study of metal oxides nanoparticles, their interface with the aqueous solution, as well as their applications in electrocatalysis for the obtention of sustainable energy and chemical products.
Xavier loves sharing his live with his family (wife and daughters) and friends either traveling around the World and discovering new facinating places, hiking through idilic landscapes or simply enjoying good food in a relaxed manner.