Paula calli falcoswki

Research Project

Microscale Investigation of Zinc Nucleation and Growth Control for Enhanced Battery Electrode Stability

This project aims to investigate the nucleation of zinc during electrodeposition processes relevant to battery applications. Particular attention is given to the fact that irregular nucleation can lead to the formation of non-planar zinc deposits. Such morphological instability may compromise electrode performance, as localized growth can result in uneven thickness and accumulation in specific regions. Over time, this can promote excessive electrode expansion and increase the risk of contact with the battery separator, potentially causing short circuits or mechanical failure. Therefore, understanding the early stages of zinc nucleation is essential for improving electrode stability and safety. The study employs scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) to probe zinc nucleation at the microscale. This technique enables high-resolution mapping of electrochemical activity during the initial stages of deposition. Additionally, the influence of selected additives is investigated, as they are known to modulate nucleation pathways and growth mechanisms. By correlating local electrochemical behavior with deposit morphology, the project seeks to identify conditions that promote uniform and controlled zinc growth. Ultimately, these insights may contribute to the development of more reliable and durable zinc-based battery systems.

Email:  paula.callifalcoswki@mail.mcgill.ca
Phone: 438-595-3720
Office: PP-311

Current Position: POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

Education

Ph.D., Fundamental   Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil, March 2022 – Present
Graduation, Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2018-2021

Publications

Fronza, B. M. ; Vilela, H. S.  Falcoswki, P. C. ; Bertotti, M. ; Braga, R. R., Effectiveness of dental resin composites containing calcium orthophosphate particles on dentin remineralization. Dental Materials Journal 2026, 1. 2025-220.

Falcoswki, P C.; Saraiva, D. P. M. ; Ishiki, N. A. ; Ticianelli, E. A. ; Bertotti, M. . A Dual-Barrel Carbon Fiber Microelectrode for Generator-Collector Experiments. ACS Omega 2025, 10, 36550-36558.

Ribeiro, L. M. A. ; Feria, D.. J. ; Falcoswki, P. C. ; Carreño, M.. N. P. ; Pereyra, I. ; Bertotti, M.,  Low-cost laser for fabrication of affordable graphene-induced microband sensors. Journal Of Applied Electrochemistry 2024, 1, 1.

Frachini, E. C. G. ; Selva, J. S. G. ; Falcoswki, P. C. ; Silva, J. B. ; Cornejo, D. R. ; Bertotti, M. ; Ulrich, H. ; Petri, D. F. S. . Caffeine Release from Magneto-Responsive Hydrogels Controlled by External Magnetic Field and Calcium Ions and Its Effect on the Viability of Neuronal Cells. Polymers 2023, 15, 1757.

CONFERENCES/presentations

ORAL
Falcoswki, P. C.; Saraiva, D. P. M. ; Ishiki, Nicolas A. ; Ticianelli, Edson A. ; Bertotti, M. (2025) Indirect detection of thiosulfate with a dual barrel carbon microelectrode. XXV Simpósio Brasileiro de Eletroquímica e Eletroanalítica, Águas de Lindóia, Brazil, Oct. 20-Oct. 23 (Winner of Best Oral Presentation in Electroanalytical Chemistry 500R$).

Falcoswki, P. C.; Saraiva, D. P. M. ; Ishiki, Nicolas A. ; Ticianelli, Edson A. ; Bertotti, M. (2025) A dual barrel carbon fiber microelectrode for SECM generator collector experiments.76th Annual Meeting of International Society of Electrochemistry, Mainz, Germany, Sept. 7 – Sept. 12

Falcoswki, P. C.; Fronza, B. M. ; Braga, R. R. ; Bertotti, M. (2024) Influence of Electrolyte Environment on Real-time and Long-term Measurements of Calcium Release by Dental Composites with Liquid Contact Ion-Selective Electrodes, 75th Annual Meeting of International Society of Electrochemistry, Montreal, Canada, Aug. 18 – Aug. 23

Falcoswki, P. C.; Fronza, B. M. ; Braga, R. R. ; Bertotti, M. (2023) Study of calcium release by dental composites using an ion selective sensor and the SECM technique. XXIV Simpósio Brasileiro de Eletroquímica e Eletroanalítica, Porto Alegre, Brazil, Oct. 2 – Oct. 5

POSTER

Falcoswki, P. C.; Saraiva, D. P. M. ; Bertotti, M. (2023) Evaluation of palladium decorated nanoporous gold sensor for hydrogen peroxide detection, 46ª Reunião Anula da Sociedade Brasileira de Química, Águas de Lindoia, Brazil, May 28 – May 31