Manuel Luna | Coatings | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Manuel Luna , Best Researcher Award , Spain.
Dr. Manuel Luna is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Cádiz, specializing in nanomaterials and photocatalysis 
. He earned his Ph.D. in Nanoscience and Material Technologies in 2019, receiving the Extraordinary Doctoral Award 
. His research focuses on advanced photocatalysts for self-cleaning and depolluting applications in construction. He has contributed to six major research projects, including the €7M H2020 InnovaConcrete initiative. With 22 high-impact publications and three patents, he collaborates internationally and engages in technology transfer with industry leaders like Sika AG. He also teaches and mentors students, advancing the field of sustainable materials 
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Publication Profile
Education & Experience
Education:
- Ph.D. in Nanoscience & Material Technologies, University of Cádiz (2019) – Extraordinary Doctoral Award
- Master in Nanoscience & Material Technologies, University of Cádiz (2014) – Extraordinary Master’s Award
- Bachelor in Chemistry, University of Cádiz (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)
- Visiting Researcher, Queen’s University Belfast & University of Porto.
Suitability Summary
Dr. Manuel Luna is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His exceptional research contributions, industry collaborations, international impact, and dedication to advancing sustainable technologies through nanoscience position him as a leader in his field. His work continues to inspire and shape the future of material technologies, particularly in addressing environmental challenges through innovative, real-world applications. Dr. Luna’s track record of excellence in both research and practical contributions makes him an exemplary choice for this prestigious award.
Dr. Manuel Luna has been a key contributor to cutting-edge research in nanomaterials and photocatalysis 
. As part of the TEP243-Nanomaterials group since 2013, he has pioneered self-cleaning and depolluting materials for construction. His work spans six major research projects, including the €7M H2020 InnovaConcrete project, the largest in UCA’s history. With 22 high-impact publications, three patents, and industrial collaborations with Sika AG and TINO Natural Stone, he drives innovation at the intersection of academia and industry . His international collaborations, including a postdoc at the University of Porto, further solidify his expertise in sustainable materials. 
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Research Focus
Dr. Manuel Luna’s research revolves around nanomaterials and photocatalytic coatings for self-cleaning and depolluting applications 
. His expertise includes Au/TiO2/SiO2-based photocatalysts, smart surfaces, and advanced wetting properties for environmental sustainability. His contributions to the InnovaConcrete project led to novel treatments for preserving 20th-century concrete heritage, supported by the EU Horizon 2020 program 
. Additionally, his work extends to industrial applications, collaborating with private firms to commercialize eco-friendly materials. His interdisciplinary approach blends chemistry, material science, and engineering, making his research crucial for sustainable urban development 
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Awards & Honors
Extraordinary Doctoral Award – University of Cádiz (2019)
Extraordinary Master’s Degree Award – University of Cádiz (2014)
Bachelor’s Degree Extraordinary Award – University of Cádiz (2012)
Research Grant Recipient – Margarita Salas Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021-2023)
Published in Nature Reviews Materials – Impact Factor 83.5
H2020 InnovaConcrete Project Contributor – Largest EU-funded project at UCA (€7M)
Patents & Industry Impact – 3 patents, including collaborations with Sika AG and TINO Natural Stone.
Publication Top Notes
- 📄 Water-soluble fluorosilane supplemented with fumed silica as admixture for producing hydrophobic concrete | 🏗️ Developments in the Built Environment | 📅 2024 | 🔢 Cited by: 5
- 📄 Validation of alkoxysilane-based protective treatments for increasing service life of cementitious materials under different weathering conditions | 🏗️ Developments in the Built Environment | 📅 2023 | 🔢 Cited by: 4
- 📄 Strong Metal-Support Interaction (SMSI) in Au/TiO2 photocatalysts for environmental remediation applications: Effectiveness enhancement and side effects | 🌍 Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering | 📅 2023 | 🔢 Cited by: 14
- 📄 Influence of gold nanoparticles size for photocatalytic NO oxidation in low loading Au/TiO2 catalysts | 🌍 Environmental Technology and Innovation | 📅 2023 | 🔢 Cited by: 8
- 📄 Studying the bulk hydrophobization of cement mortars by the combination of alkylalkoxysilane admixture and fluoropolymer-functionalized aggregate | 🏗️ Journal of Building Engineering | 📅 2023 | 🔢 Cited by: 7
- 📄 Multifunctional silane-based superhydrophobic/impregnation treatments for concrete producing C-S-H gel: Validation on mockup specimens from European heritage structures | 🏗️ Construction and Building Materials | 📅 2023 | 🔢 Cited by.