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:
Scopus
Orcid
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.