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:

Scopus

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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.

 

Dr. Bogdan Stefan Vasile | Nanography Award | Excellence in Research

Dr. Bogdan Stefan Vasile | Nanography Award | Excellence in Research

Dr. Bogdan Stefan Vasile, National University for Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Romania

Dr. Bogdan Ștefan Vasile is an accomplished chemical engineer and researcher specializing in nanomaterials and oxide-based composite materials. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University Politehnica of Bucharest, his expertise lies in the development and analysis of advanced nanocomposites. As Coordinator of the Advanced Structural Laboratory and Technical Manager of the National Research Center for Micro and Nanomaterials, Dr. Vasile has contributed significantly to the field of material science. He is also a certified expert in accessing European structural and cohesion funds, as well as public procurement processes. Dr. Vasile’s interdisciplinary approach bridges academia and industry, with numerous training certifications and hands-on project management experience. His research outputs include advanced studies in electron microscopy and nanomaterials synthesis, with a focus on cutting-edge characterization techniques and applications.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

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Summary of Suitability

Dr. Bogdan Ștefan Vasile is highly suitable for the Excellence in Research Award, given his distinguished academic background, cutting-edge research in nanomaterials, and significant contributions to both academia and industry.

🎓Education 

Dr. Bogdan Ștefan Vasile holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University Politehnica of Bucharest (2006–2011), focusing on ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃-based nanopowders and nanocomposites 🧑‍🔬. He earned his Master’s degree (2006–2008) in Composite Materials and an Engineer Diploma (2001–2006) in Physical Chemistry of Solid State, Thermo-Technological Installations, and Ceramic Technology 🏗️. His foundational education includes a Baccalaureate Diploma in Chemistry-Biology from Dinicu Golescu College (1997–2001) 📚. Dr. Vasile also attended advanced training, including European workshops on Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM-UCA, 2017) 🔬 and EELS/EFTEM analysis (Graz University, 2017) 🎓, enhancing his expertise in nanomaterials characterization.

🏢Professional Experience

Dr. Vasile’s professional journey spans over 15 years, blending research, academia, and administrative roles 💼. He serves as Coordinator of the Advanced Structural Laboratory and Technical Manager at the National Research Centers for Micro and Nanomaterials and Food Safety 🧑‍🔬. His prior roles include Auxiliary Didactic positions at the University Politehnica from Bucharest (2008–2013) 🎓, Researcher at the National Institute for Labour and Social Protection (2008) 🏢, and Computer Operator for data analysis projects (2005–2006) 💻. Dr. Vasile has conducted extensive research in oxidic materials and nanocomposites while mentoring emerging scientists 👨‍🏫. His certifications as a Public Procurement Expert and Trainer complement his technical acumen, enabling efficient project management and funding acquisition 💰. His hands-on expertise encompasses research methodology, laboratory supervision, and innovative material development 🔬.

🏅Awards and Honors

Dr. Vasile has received several prestigious certifications and awards throughout his career 🏆. These include Expert Certification (2023) as an A.N.C.-certified expert in accessing European Structural and Cohesion Funds 🇪🇺, and Public Procurement Expertise (2021) as an accredited public procurement specialist 📜. He also earned a Training Certification (2019) as a certified Trainer (COR 242401), demonstrating his proficiency in designing and delivering customized training programs 🗣️. In 2017, Dr. Vasile attended the European Summer Workshop on Transmission Electron Microscopy (Cadiz University) 🧪 and the EELS/EFTEM School (Graz University) 🎓, where he gained specialized skills in advanced electron microscopy techniques 🔍. These honors reflect his commitment to advancing his expertise while maintaining a balance between scientific research and professional development 🏅.

🔬Research Focus 

Dr. Vasile’s research is at the forefront of advanced nanomaterials, particularly ZrO₂ and Al₂O₃ nanopowders, composite materials, and oxidic nanostructures ⚗️. His work focuses on the application of electron microscopy, especially EELS and EFTEM techniques, for in-depth material characterization 🔬. Dr. Vasile’s research aims to optimize nanomaterials for applications in structural reinforcement 🏗️, food safety 🍽️, and environmental sustainability 🌍. By integrating nanoparticle modeling, simulation, and synthesis, he explores how these materials can enhance performance in various industrial and scientific domains 🛠️. In addition to core research, Dr. Vasile seeks interdisciplinary collaborations to implement his findings in energy solutions ⚡, healthcare innovations 🏥, and sustainable technologies 🌱. His multidisciplinary approach ensures that his work contributes not only to academic knowledge but also to real-world applications 🌟.

Publication Top Notes:

1.Fabrication and Advanced Imaging Characterization of Magnetic Aerogel-Based Thin Films for Water Decontamination
  • Citations: 1
2. New 3D Vortex Microfluidic System Tested for Magnetic Core-Shell Fe3O4-SA Nanoparticle Synthesis
  • Citations: 2
3. Silk fibroin-based scaffolds for wound healing applications with metal oxide nanoparticles
  • Citations: 6
4. Downscaling grain size toward the nanometre range – A key-factor for tuning the crystalline structure, phase transitions, dielectric and ferroelectric behaviour in Ba0·8Sr0·2TiO3 ceramics
  • Citations: 1
5. ZnxFe3-xO4–ZnO heterojunction interfaced with poly(L-DOPA) electron transfer mediator layer for enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
  • Citations: 3