Education
Prof. Dr. Diego Luna’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in chemical sciences, beginning with a degree in Chemistry, followed by advanced specialization in Organic Chemistry. His early academic training focused on organic synthesis and reaction mechanisms, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to catalysis research. He later earned a doctorate in Chemical Sciences, producing a highly regarded dissertation on catalytic hydrogenation, which received the highest academic distinction. Throughout his educational path, he was mentored by leading scholars in organic chemistry and catalysis, which strengthened his expertise in both theoretical and experimental approaches. His studies provided him with rigorous training in reaction kinetics, heterogeneous catalysis, and the application of inorganic solids as supports for complex processes. This strong educational background not only anchored his future research but also positioned him as a mentor to successive generations of chemists and engineers who benefitted from his teaching and supervision.
Professional Experience
Prof. Dr. Diego Luna has held various academic and leadership positions throughout his career, steadily progressing from early teaching roles to full professorship and later being named Professor Emeritus. His professional journey includes decades of teaching chemistry, biochemistry, and industrial engineering at the University of Córdoba, where he also supervised numerous postgraduate programs and served in administrative roles such as Vice-Dean and Department Secretary. He has been actively engaged in designing and teaching specialized courses in organic chemistry, catalysis, and biofuels within both undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. In addition to teaching, he has participated in over thirty national and international research projects, often serving as principal investigator. His contributions extend beyond academia through collaborations with industry, technology transfer initiatives, and leadership in the establishment of research-based enterprises. His career demonstrates a balance of research excellence, teaching dedication, and administrative responsibility, reflecting his role as both a scientist and academic leader.
Research Interests
The research interests of Prof. Dr. Diego Luna focus on heterogeneous catalysis, enzyme immobilization, and the sustainable production of biofuels and fine chemicals. His work emphasizes the use of inorganic solids as catalysts and supports for metals, organometallic complexes, and enzymes to enable efficient chemical transformations. A significant part of his research explores triglyceride biorefineries and catalytic systems for producing hydrogen, biodiesel, and other renewable fuels. His innovative investigations into the heterogenization of costly catalysts, particularly lipases, have opened pathways for large-scale industrial applications of biocatalysis. More recently, his focus has shifted toward enabling the direct use of vegetable oils as biofuels, developing low-cost, renewable mixtures suitable for replacing fossil fuels in combustion engines. His research also explores green hydrogen production and carbon-neutral fuel systems, demonstrating a forward-looking approach to energy transition. These interests place him at the intersection of green chemistry, renewable energy, and industrial innovation.
Research Skills
Prof. Dr. Diego Luna possesses advanced expertise in organic synthesis, catalysis, and biochemical applications of enzymes, making him highly skilled in both experimental and applied research. His technical skills include designing and characterizing heterogeneous catalytic systems, optimizing reaction conditions, and employing spectrometric and structural analysis techniques to investigate complex chemical processes. He has successfully applied these skills to develop novel catalytic methods for producing biofuels and fine chemicals, advancing industrial chemistry. His ability to integrate enzymology into catalysis, particularly through immobilization techniques, highlights his interdisciplinary strength. Beyond laboratory skills, he is adept at managing large-scale research projects, fostering collaborations, and securing competitive funding. He is also experienced in supervising doctoral and master’s research, ensuring rigorous training for early-career scientists. His skills extend to knowledge transfer, demonstrated by his role in patent development and in founding a technology-based enterprise, bridging academic innovation with commercial applications in green chemistry.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Dr. Diego Luna has received numerous awards and honors that recognize his scientific excellence and contributions to applied organic chemistry and sustainable energy research. Among his distinctions is the prestigious Annual Research Award in Applied Organic Chemistry, acknowledging his pioneering studies in catalysis. He has also been honored with awards related to environmental research and knowledge transfer, reflecting his commitment to both academic discovery and industrial innovation. His patents on enzymatic biodiesel production and catalyst development have not only earned scientific recognition but also supported the creation of a technology-based company dedicated to green chemistry applications. In addition, he has received distinctions from professional societies and university bodies for his leadership in advancing scientific innovation and fostering collaborations. These awards reflect his dual impact in academic and applied settings, highlighting his ability to transform research into practical technologies that contribute to sustainable development and energy transition.
Publications Top Noted
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Title: Internal Combustion Engines and Carbon-Neutral Fuels: A Perspective on Emission Neutrality in the European Union
Year: 2024
Citation: 9
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Title: Current Research on Green Ammonia (NH3) as a Potential Vector Energy for Power Storage and Engine Fuels: A Review
Year: 2023
Citation: 26
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Title: A Review on Green Hydrogen Valorization by Heterogeneous Catalytic Hydrogenation of Captured CO2 into Value-Added Products
Year: 2023
Citation: 20
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Title: Advanced Biofuels from ABE (Acetone/Butanol/Ethanol) and Vegetable Oils (Castor or Sunflower Oil) for Using in Triple Blends with Diesel: Evaluation on a Diesel Engine
Year: 2022
Citation: 13
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Title: Biodiesel Is Dead: Long Life to Advanced Biofuels—A Comprehensive Critical Review
Year: 2022
Citation: 37
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Diego Luna’s outstanding scientific achievements, groundbreaking contributions to renewable fuels and green chemistry, and extensive academic leadership make him highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His career reflects both depth and breadth of scholarship, combining pioneering research with practical industrial applications. While opportunities exist to further expand global collaborations and outreach, his lifelong commitment to advancing science and fostering innovation strongly positions him as an exemplary candidate for this honor.