Assistant Researcher Dr. Maher El-Kady is one of three young scientists in the field of energy storage materials chosen for the prestigious Energy Storage Materials (EnSM) Young Scientist Award in recognition of his seminal contribution to the development of safer lithium-ion batteries, and for pioneering mass manufacturing methods of graphene batteries, driving transformative innovations in energy storage materials and devices.
According to the announcement, the purpose of the EnSM Young Scientist Award is to “recognize three very promising young scientists in the field of energy storage materials and devices who have shown great potential from their work with significant innovation in the field”.
The award is given in association with the journal and the 5th International Conference on Energy Storage Materials April 10-13, 2024, Shenzhen, China. Award winners will speak at the conference and will be presented with the award at the conference. Winners will also write a paper for the journal.
El-Kady’s pioneering contributions span a multitude of domains, encompassing energy storage and generation, electrocatalysis, nanogenerators, water splitting, sensors, implantable medical devices, and wearable electronics. With nearly 70 research papers and over 18,400 citations, El-Kady’s impact on the field is substantial. His articles have been recognized as ‘highly cited papers,’ highlighting the relevance of his work. His co-inventorship of almost 200 patents and patent applications showcases groundbreaking advancements in energy storage materials.
One of El-Kady’s most notable achievements is his pioneering research on graphene-based materials for energy storage. He developed innovative methods for producing graphene films, revolutionizing energy storage technology. His work eliminates the need for binders or conductive additives in supercapacitors, offering fast-charging and high-performance solutions. Furthermore, El-Kady’s contributions extend to the development of biodegradable and biocompatible power sources for medical devices. His work addresses a critical need for long-lasting power sources, potentially reducing the need for repeated surgeries in patients with implantable devices. El-Kady’s dedication to sustainable energy solutions is evident in his research on energy harvesting nanogenerators, including those capable of generating electricity from snowfall. These innovations have the potential to provide clean and renewable energy sources.
El-Kady, who received his Ph.D. in chemistry from UCLA in 2013 with Professor Richard Kaner, is currently an Assistant Researcher in the Kaner group. He was named to the 2022 “Talented Twelve” by the American Chemical Society’s C&EN News.
Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu.
