Pioneering the Future of Renewable Energy: An Insightful Conversation with Dr Marcelo Lozada-Hidalgo

National Graphene Institute Research 27 November 2024

In recent years, the field of nanomaterials has captivated scientists worldwide, particularly in the pursuit of renewable energy solutions. At the heart of this groundbreaking research is Dr Marcelo Lozada-Hidalgo, a physicist whose work with graphene-based membranes is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in energy conversion and storage technologies.

From Mexico to Manchester: A journey driven by curiosity

Dr Lozada-Hidalgo’s academic journey began in Mexico, where his fascination with the precision and beauty of physics was sparked during an undergraduate class in classical mechanics. “My father is a physicist, so science was always around me. However, I wasn’t initially set on following in his footsteps. It wasn’t until after a classical mechanics class at university that I appreciated how precisely physics could describe the world, and that fascination has stayed with me ever since,” he recalls.

This passion for understanding the fundamental laws of nature led him to pursue a master’s degree in physics, followed by a PhD in Physics at the University of Manchester under the mentorship of Nobel laureate Professor Sir Andre Geim. “I heard about a national competition in Mexico for a scholarship to work with Andre Geim, and the idea of working with a material just one atom thick was mind-blowing. I applied, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” says Marcelo.

The cutting edge of graphene research

Graphene, often hailed as a “wonder material,” is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. It’s incredibly strong, yet lightweight, and has remarkable electrical and thermal conductivity. These properties have made graphene the subject of intense research, particularly for applications in energy, electronics, and materials science.

Marcelo’s research focuses on using graphene-based membranes to filter ions and gases at an atomic scale. “We isolate crystals that are only one or a few atoms thick but can span micrometres or even centimetres in area. We use the tiny spaces between the atoms in these crystal lattices to sieve ions and gases. It’s like creating the finest sieve possible, allowing us to achieve levels of selectivity that are difficult or even impossible with conventional membranes,” he explains. This precise control at the atomic level enables the separation of hydrogen isotopes, a process critical for applications in nuclear energy and fuel cells.

Transforming renewable energy technologies

One of the most exciting aspects of Marcelo’s work is its potential impact on renewable energy technologies. At such minuscule scales, the fundamental processes in technologies like electrolysis or batteries behave differently. “The electric fields we work with are immense, on the order of volts per nanometre. Under these conditions, we’ve found that some processes relevant to energy conversion can be strongly accelerated without needing expensive metal catalysts, which are traditionally used to speed up these reactions,” he notes.

This discovery could lead to more efficient and cost-effective ways to produce and store energy, which is crucial as the world shifts towards greener energy sources. The implications of this research extend beyond energy, with potential applications in water purification, medical diagnostics, and more.

The Manchester advantage

When asked about how working at The University of Manchester has influenced his research, Marcelo emphasises the unique ecosystem of the institution. “Manchester is one of the best—if not the best—places to do what we do. There’s a healthy community of researchers working on complementary projects, and the facilities are outstanding. It’s also a great city to live in, which benefits both me and my team,” he says.

Indeed, Manchester has become a global hub for graphene research, thanks in part to the pioneering work of scientists like Professor Sir Andre Geim and Professor Sir Konstantin Novoselov, who first isolated graphene in 2004. The National Graphene Institute and the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, both based in Manchester, continue to drive innovations in this field.

Life beyond the lab

Outside the lab, Marcelo enjoys the vibrant life that Manchester offers. “The city is large enough to have plenty to do, but it’s not so big that it feels overwhelming. There’s a thriving cultural scene, with events, nightlife, museums, and cafés. Plus, the nearby Peak and Lake Districts are perfect for outdoor activities,” he shares.

Recently, his time outside work has been happily dominated by his newborn daughter, who brings a new perspective to his life. “These days, I spend most of my free time with my baby girl—she’s ten months old and keeps us pretty busy! I also love going to a bootcamp exercise class in my local park and, when the weather allows, we enjoy outdoor walks in the National Trust properties or the Peak District,” he adds.

Looking ahead

As Dr Lozada-Hidalgo continues his research, the potential applications of his work are vast. From revolutionising energy storage to creating more sustainable technologies, his contributions to the field of nanomaterials are paving the way for a more sustainable future. “We’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible with graphene and other two-dimensional materials. The future is incredibly exciting,” he concludes.

You can read Dr Lozada-Hidalgo’s recent research paper on how electric field effects can selectively accelerate coupled electrochemical processes in graphene here: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/electric-fields-catalyse-graphenes-energy-and-computing-prospects/

The National Graphene Institute (NGI) is a world-leading graphene and 2D material centre, focussed on fundamental research. Based at The University of Manchester, where graphene was first isolated in 2004 by Professors Sir Andre Geim and Sir Konstantin Novoselov, it is home to leaders in their field – a community of research specialists delivering transformative discovery. This expertise is matched by £13m leading-edge facilities, such as the largest class 5 and 6 cleanrooms in global academia, which gives the NGI the capabilities to advance underpinning industrial applications in key areas including: composites, functional membranes, energy, membranes for green hydrogen, ultra-high vacuum 2D materials, nanomedicine, 2D based printed electronics, and characterisation.

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