Dr. Manuel Luna | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manuel Luna | Nanomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manuel Luna, University of Cadiz, Spain

Dr. Manuel Luna is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cádiz, specializing in nanomaterials and photocatalysis. He earned his PhD in Nanoscience and Material Technologies in 2019, receiving the Extraordinary Doctoral Award 🏆. His research focuses on developing Au/TiO₂/SiO₂ photocatalysts for self-cleaning and depolluting applications in construction materials 🏗️. He has contributed to six research projects, including the prestigious H2020 InnovaConcrete project. Dr. Luna has authored 22 indexed publications 📚, three patents, and collaborated with global industry leaders like Sika and TINO. His work bridges fundamental research and industrial application, advancing sustainable material technologies 🌍.

Professional Profile:

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Suitability for Best Researcher Award 🏆

Dr. Manuel Luna is an outstanding candidate for a Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to nanomaterials and photocatalysis. His research bridges fundamental science and real-world applications, particularly in sustainable and self-cleaning materials. With a track record of high-impact publications, patents, and industrial collaborations, he exemplifies innovation and academic excellence.

Education & Experience 🎓💼

Education 📚

  • PhD in Nanoscience and Material Technologies, University of Cádiz, Spain (2019) 🎓
    • Extraordinary Doctoral Award 🏆
  • Master in Nanoscience and Material Technologies, University of Cádiz, Spain (2014) 🏅
    • Extraordinary Master’s Degree Award
  • Bachelor in Chemistry, University of Cádiz, Spain (2012) đź§Ş
    • Bachelor’s Degree Extraordinary Award

Experience 🏢

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Cádiz (2022 – Present) 🔬
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Cádiz (2020 – 2021) 📊
  • Research Assistant, University of Cádiz (2015 – 2019) 🏗️

Professional Development 🚀

Dr. Manuel Luna has built an impressive career in nanomaterials and photocatalysis. As part of the TEP243-Nanomaterials research group since 2013, he has led research on self-cleaning and depolluting materials 🌱. His expertise spans six major projects, including the €7M H2020 InnovaConcrete project, the largest in UCA history 🌍. He has authored 22 high-impact papers 📖, including a review in Nature Reviews Materials (IF 83.5). His work extends beyond academia, collaborating with industry giants like Sika, TINO, and Cosentino. With three patents 🏅, international research stays, and extensive teaching, he is shaping the future of sustainable materials.

Research Focus 🔬🏗️

Dr. Luna’s research centers on photocatalytic materials for sustainable applications. His work on Au/TiOâ‚‚/SiOâ‚‚ photocatalysts enhances self-cleaning and depolluting coatings, making buildings more eco-friendly 🌍. As a key researcher in the TEP243-Nanomaterials group, he has contributed to groundbreaking innovations in construction materials and environmental remediation 🌱. His involvement in European (H2020), national, and industry projects ensures his research has real-world impact. With international collaborations 🌎, he has developed materials that improve air and surface quality. His patents and industry contracts demonstrate his commitment to transforming nanoscience into commercial solutions đź’ˇ.

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

  • Extraordinary Doctoral Award (PhD, 2019) 🎓🏅
  • Extraordinary Master’s Degree Award (2014) 🏆
  • Bachelor’s Degree Extraordinary Award (2012) 🏅
  • H2020 InnovaConcrete Project Contributor (€7M funding) 🌍🔬
  • Nature Reviews Materials Review Publication (IF 83.5) đź“–
  • Cover Article in Chemical Engineering Journal (2019, IF 10.65) 🎨
  • Three Patents (Two in commercialization) 🏗️💡
  • Research Contracts with Sika, TINO, and Cosentino (€200,000 contract with Sika) đź’°

Publication Top Notes:

  • 🏗️ “Water-soluble fluorosilane supplemented with fumed silica as admixture for producing hydrophobic concrete: Effects on cement hydration, mechanical properties and water protection properties” (2024) – 5 citations.
  • 🏛️ “Validation of alkoxysilane-based protective treatments for increasing service life of cementitious materials under different weathering conditions” (2023) – 4 citations.
  • 🌞 “Strong Metal-Support Interaction (SMSI) in Au/TiO2 photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications: Effectiveness enhancement and side effects” (2023) – 14 citations.
  • 🏭 “Influence of gold nanoparticles size for photocatalytic NO oxidation in low loading Au/TiO2 catalysts” (2023) – 8 citations.
  • đź§± “Studying the bulk hydrophobization of cement mortars by the combination of alkylalkoxysilane admixture and fluoropolymer-functionalized aggregate” (2023) – 7 citations.

 

Mr. Mehrdad Faraji | Nanoscale Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mehrdad Faraji | Nanoscale Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mehrdad Faraji, University of Padova, Italy

Mehrdad Faraji, born on September 3, 1994, is a dedicated researcher and materials engineer currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Padova, Italy, under the supervision of Irene Calliari. His expertise spans aluminum alloys, electrochemical and corrosion studies, and 2D materials. Mehrdad is also the CEO of Azmano, an educational group fostering scientific learning through virtual workshops. His academic journey, from a Bachelor’s at Hamedan University of Technology to a Master’s at Iran University of Science and Technology, has been marked by exceptional achievements and contributions to materials engineering. Fluent in Persian and English, Mehrdad is proficient in software like Microsoft Office, ZView, and CES Edupack, and has a strong passion for machine learning applications in his field.

Professional Profile:

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Evaluation for “Best Researcher Award”

Suitability Summary

Mehrdad Faraji is a promising candidate for the “Best Researcher Award,” showcasing a comprehensive profile with academic excellence, impactful research contributions, and significant achievements in materials engineering. Here’s an analysis of his qualifications

🎓Education :

Mehrdad Faraji is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Materials Engineering at the University of Padova, Italy, focusing on advanced materials and corrosion studies. He earned his M.Sc. in Materials Engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, under the guidance of Professors Saeed Shabestari and S.H. Razavi, where his research emphasized thermomechanical treatments for AA5083 alloys. Mehrdad obtained his B.Sc. in Materials Engineering from Hamedan University of Technology, where his thesis explored anti-wear composites. His academic journey began with a diploma in Mathematics and Physics from Bu-Ali Sina High School, Hamedan, where he achieved a CGPA of 17.82/20.

🏢Experience :

Mehrdad Faraji has gained substantial experience in materials engineering, teaching, and research. He is the CEO of Azmano Educational Group, where he leads workshops on gas chromatography, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and materials selection using CES Edupack software. As a research assistant at Hamedan University of Technology, Mehrdad contributed to projects on aluminum alloy composites and carbide-derived nanocarbons. His industry experience includes an internship in casting and mold design at Zobrizan Company. In academia, he has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and presented his work at international conferences. Mehrdad’s teaching endeavors include virtual and in-person workshops, emphasizing applied materials science and analytical techniques.

🏅Awards and Honors :

Mehrdad Faraji has achieved remarkable accolades throughout his academic career. He ranked 181st among 6000 candidates in Iran’s national entrance exam for a master’s degree and secured 7th and 6th places in doctoral entrance exams in 2020 and 2022, respectively. His consistent academic excellence earned him recognition as a top-ranking student during his undergraduate and master’s studies. Mehrdad has also been honored for his innovative contributions to materials engineering, with achievements highlighted through numerous conference presentations and impactful publications in renowned journals.

🔬Research Focus :

Mehrdad Faraji’s research centers on aluminum alloys, 2D materials, and electrochemical corrosion studies. His Ph.D. work at the University of Padova explores the role of natural inhibitors in enhancing the corrosion resistance of titanium and magnesium alloys. Previously, his master’s research delved into the effects of thermomechanical treatments on AA5083 alloys, enhancing their microstructure and mechanical properties. Mehrdad’s work has also advanced the understanding of carbide-derived nanocarbon structures, produced through HF electrochemical etching of MAX phases. Through innovative approaches, Mehrdad aims to bridge the gap between fundamental materials science and practical engineering applications.

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Effect of Natural Inhibitors on the Corrosion Properties of Grade 2 Titanium Alloy
  • “Simultaneous Improvement of Mechanical Strength and Corrosion Resistance in Aluminum Alloy 5083 via Severe Plastic Deformation”.
  • “Investigation of the Microstructure and Corrosion Behaviors of Composite Hard-Faced Layers on Al5052 Using SiC and TiB2 in 3.5% NaCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 Solutions”
  • “The Effects of Cold Rolling and Stabilization Treatment on the Improvement of Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Behavior of AA5083 Sheet”
  • “The Electrochemical and Microstructure Effects of TiB2 and SiC Addition to AA5052/Al2O3 Surface Composite Coatings in 0.5 M H2SO4 Solution”