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) 🧪
- 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/TiO₂/SiO₂ 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 💡.

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) 📖
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) 💰

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.
🧱 “Studying the bulk hydrophobization of cement mortars by the combination of alkylalkoxysilane admixture and fluoropolymer-functionalized aggregate” (2023) – 7 citations.

Assist. Prof. Dr. HudaF Khalil | Nanomaterials Awards | Excellence in Research

Huda F. Khalil is a researcher in the Electronic Materials Department, specializing in the field of physics. She earned her PhD in Physics from Tanat University in 2021 and her MSc in Physics from Alexandria University in 2013. With a background in Special Physics from Alexandria University (2007), Huda has significantly contributed to materials science, particularly in nanomaterials and their applications. Her research interests include superconductivity, thermoelectric properties, and nanotechnology. She has been recognized for her work with various awards and certifications, including the Generation Program Scholarship and multiple certifications in workshops and training programs. Huda is also an active member of the Egyptian Society for Basic Sciences and the Materials Science Society. Her notable publications span a range of topics from optical properties of materials to advanced sensor applications in viral diagnosis.

Professional Profile:

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Summary of Suitability for the “Excellence in Research” Award

Huda F. Khalil is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the “Excellence in Research” award due to her extensive contributions to the field of electronic materials and her impressive academic and professional background.

🎓Education:

Huda F. Khalil earned her PhD in Physics from Tanat University in 2021, where she conducted research within the Faculty of Science’s Physics Department. Prior to this, she completed her MSc in Physics at Alexandria University in 2013, also in the Faculty of Science’s Physics Department. Her academic journey began with a BSc in Special Physics, which she obtained from Alexandria University in 2007.

🏢Work Experience:

Huda F. Khalil currently works as a researcher in the Electronic Materials Department, where she focuses on advanced materials and their applications. She has previously served as a research assistant at the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, part of Egypt’s Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research. Additionally, Huda has worked as an instructor at SRTA-CITY, where she has led various training programs, including those on Nanoscience Materials and Their Applications.

🏆Awards and Recognitions:

Huda F. Khalil has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors throughout her career. She received the Generation Program Scholarship (SNG) and a Research Assistantship grant of 100,000 EGP from the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology. In 2022, she was honored with the Best Idea award at the Arab Youth Forum and also received an award from the Idea’s Competition at SRTA-CITY. Additionally, Huda was recognized with a Certification of Excellence in Reviewing by the Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International in 2020. She has also been awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for her contributions as an instructor at SRTA-CITY and has attended numerous workshops and seminars related to entrepreneurship, nanoscience, and materials science.

Publication Top Notes:

“Phase Change and Optical Band Gap Behavior of Se0.8S0.2 Chalcogenide Glass Films”

Cited by: 22
“Preparation and Characterization of ZnS Nanocrystalline Thin Films by Low Cost Dip Technique”

Cited by: 19
“Epitaxial Growth and Optical Properties of Laser Deposited CdS Thin Films”

Cited by: 11
“Role of Cr3+ and In3+ Ions Substitution on Magnetic and Dielectric Properties for Developing Soft Magnetic M-Type Sr Nanohexaferrite”

Cited by: 6
“Structural, Morphological, and γ-ray Attenuation Properties of M-Type Hexaferrite BaFe12O19 Doped with V2O5, Ce2O3, and Bi2O3 for Radiation Shielding Applications”

Cited by: 4