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

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.

Prof. Priyabrata Pattanaik , Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom

Prof. Dr Priyabrata Pattanaik is a distinguished academic and researcher with over 19 years of experience in teaching and research. He currently serves as a Professor of Electronic and Communication Engineering and Additional Dean Research at Siksha O Anusandhan University, Odisha, India. Prof. Pattanaik is also a Visiting Research Fellow at Manchester Metropolitan University, collaborating with Professor William Holderbaum. With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Siksha O Anusandhan University, he has made significant contributions to the fields of semiconductor biosensors, VLSI design, and MEMS. He holds 36 patents, including 10 granted, and has over 100 indexed research publications with substantial citations across Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Prof. Pattanaik has supervised numerous Ph.D., PG, and UG theses and has been actively involved in various administrative and consultancy roles, including projects funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India.

🎓 Educational Background:

Prof. Dr. Priyabrata Pattanaik completed his PhD in Electrical Engineering from Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University between 2009 and 2014. Prior to his doctoral studies, he earned his M.Tech in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering from Biju Patnaik University of Technology from 2003 to 2005. He began his higher education journey with a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering from North Orissa University, which he attended from 1998 to 2002.

🔬 Research & Innovations:

Prof. Dr. Priyabrata Pattanaik holds an impressive portfolio of 36 patents, with his specialties lying in IoT-based semiconductor biosensors, industrial sensors, and devices. He has authored over 100 indexed research publications, featured across renowned platforms such as Scopus, WoS, and Google Scholar. Currently, he is actively supervising 9 PhD theses, contributing significantly to the field of electrical and electronic engineering through both innovation and mentorship.

👔 Industrial Experience:

Prof. Dr. Priyabrata Pattanaik has previously served as a research associate, where he specialized in the design of DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM controllers. During this time, he utilized VERILOG for the digital design and Synopsys tools for physical implementation, showcasing his expertise in both theoretical and practical aspects of electronic design automation and memory architecture.