{"id":1307,"date":"2024-11-27T15:00:22","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T15:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sites.se.manchester.ac.uk\/graphene\/?p=1307"},"modified":"2024-12-17T11:30:46","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T11:30:46","slug":"pioneering-the-future-of-renewable-energy-an-insightful-conversation-with-dr-marcelo-lozada-hidalgo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sites.se.manchester.ac.uk\/graphene\/2024\/11\/27\/pioneering-the-future-of-renewable-energy-an-insightful-conversation-with-dr-marcelo-lozada-hidalgo\/","title":{"rendered":"Pioneering the Future of Renewable Energy: An Insightful Conversation with Dr Marcelo Lozada-Hidalgo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/em><\/a>,<\/em> a physicist whose work with graphene-based membranes is pushing the boundaries of what\u2019s possible in energy conversion and storage technologies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marcelo’s work on graphene-based semiconductor and dual-function memory-logic switch was recently included in Physics World’s Top 10 Breakthroughs of the Year for 2024<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Mexico to Manchester: A journey driven by curiosity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr Lozada-Hidalgo\u2019s academic journey began in Mexico, where his fascination with the precision and beauty of physics was sparked during an undergraduate class in classical mechanics. \u201cMy father is a physicist, so science was always around me. However, I wasn\u2019t initially set on following in his footsteps. It wasn\u2019t 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,\u201d he recalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. \u201cI 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\u2019ve ever made,\u201d says Marcelo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cutting edge of graphene research<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Graphene, often hailed as a \u201cwonder material,\u201d is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marcelo\u2019s research focuses on using graphene-based membranes to filter ions and gases at an atomic scale. \u201cWe 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\u2019s like creating the finest sieve possible, allowing us to achieve levels of selectivity that are difficult or even impossible with conventional membranes,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transforming renewable energy technologies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most exciting aspects of Marcelo\u2019s work is its potential impact on renewable energy technologies. At such minuscule scales, the fundamental processes in technologies like electrolysis or batteries behave differently. \u201cThe electric fields we work with are immense, on the order of volts per nanometre. Under these conditions, we\u2019ve 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,\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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