Senior Researcher, at CSIC, Spain.
👩🎓 Dr. María Soledad Faraldos Izquierdo is a senior scientist at the Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemistry (ICP-CSIC) in Spain. With over three decades of expertise in catalysis and environmental chemistry, she specializes in catalyst preparation, characterization, and applications in pollution control, CO2 conversion, and photocatalysis. She has held key positions, including Technical Manager and Technical Deputy-Director at ICP-CSIC, and has been instrumental in developing advanced oxidation processes for wastewater treatment. She has collaborated with international research teams and played a vital role in European and industry-led projects. As a prominent figure in photocatalysis, she has contributed significantly to sustainable chemistry and environmental decontamination.
Professional Profile
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Education
🎓 Dr. Faraldos earned her Licentiate in Chemistry from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 1985. She pursued her doctoral studies at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, obtaining her Ph.D. in Science in 1996 with a dissertation on methane oxidation catalysis, co-supervised by distinguished researchers from the Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemistry (ICP-CSIC) and the University of Aberdeen. Her research has since extended into catalyst engineering, photocatalytic materials, and environmental chemistry. She has further enriched her academic experience through research stays at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA) and Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan). Her educational background has provided a robust foundation for her extensive contributions to catalysis and sustainable chemical technologies.
Experience
🌍 With a career spanning over 35 years, Dr. Faraldos has held various key positions in scientific research and technical management. She began as a Laboratory Manager at Novamin Robertson, S.L. in 1986, later transitioning into project research roles at ICMM-CSIC and ICP-CSIC. From 1990 to 2008, she served as Technical Manager at ICP-CSIC, establishing and directing the Research Support Unit. Since 2008, she has been a Senior Scientist at ICP-CSIC, where she leads pioneering research in catalysis, photocatalysis, and environmental chemistry. She is also an active member of the Spanish Catalysis Society (SECAT) and AENOR’s Photocatalysis Committee. Her collaborations span across global institutions, reinforcing her influence in chemical engineering and sustainable environmental practices.
Research Interests
🌍 Dr. Faraldos’ research is centered on catalysis, photocatalysis, and environmental remediation. She specializes in catalyst development, advanced oxidation processes for wastewater treatment, and CO2 conversion techniques. Her work extends to photoelectrocatalysis, thin-film photovoltaic cells, and perovskite solar cells, aiming to advance green chemistry solutions. She actively studies the decontamination and disinfection of effluents through innovative catalytic systems. Additionally, she focuses on developing photocatalytic coatings for air and water purification applications. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates material science, environmental engineering, and sustainable chemistry, positioning her as a key figure in catalytic process engineering.
Awards
🏆 Dr. Faraldos has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to catalysis and environmental chemistry. She has received prestigious awards from the Spanish Catalysis Society (SECAT) and research funding agencies for her pioneering work in photocatalysis and wastewater treatment. Her innovative methodologies in CO2 conversion and advanced oxidation processes have garnered international recognition. She has also played a significant role in standardizing analytical procedures, contributing to AENOR certifications. Her leadership in scientific research and her commitment to sustainable chemistry have earned her multiple nominations and accolades in the field of catalysis and green technologies.
Top Noted Publications
📖 Dr. Faraldos has authored over 50 publications in high-impact international journals in catalysis, chemical engineering, and environmental science. Below are some of her key publications:
Conclusion
Dr. María Soledad Faraldos Izquierdo is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her outstanding contributions to catalysis, environmental chemistry, and photocatalysis. Her leadership, international collaborations, and significant scientific impact make her a deserving nominee. However, further efforts in patenting, commercialization, and public outreach could further enhance her research visibility and influence.