Mrs. Sandra Palenzuela | Functional Materials | Best Research Article Award

Sandra Palenzuela Rebella is a Spanish chemist specializing in the design and synthesis of advanced materials for solar-driven photoelectrocatalytic applications. Currently a pre-doctoral researcher at IMDEA Energy’s Photoactivated Processes Unit, she focuses on developing polymeric and hybrid nanostructured materials for hydrogen production and solar fuels. Sandra has contributed to high-impact publications, patents, and multiple international collaborations with leading research institutions, reflecting her strong commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in chemical sciences and a master’s degree in organic chemistry from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. She has presented her research at national and international conferences, earning recognition such as a best poster award. Sandra’s expertise spans materials chemistry, photocatalysis, and photoelectrochemistry, supported by extensive technical training in spectroscopy, electrochemical techniques, and advanced laboratory instrumentation. Dedicated to sustainable innovation, she is building a strong foundation as an early-career scientist contributing to energy transition and green chemistry advancements.

Profile

Orcid

Education 

Sandra Palenzuela completed her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Sciences (Eurobachelor®) at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, where she developed a strong foundation in nanochemistry, forensic chemistry, and geochemistry. During this time, she conducted a thesis on synthesizing and characterizing hybrid perovskite materials for photocatalytic applications, gaining valuable experience in crystallography, spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis. She pursued a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry at the same university, specializing in synthesis design, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, and catalysis. Her master’s thesis focused on nanostructured conjugated porous polymers for photoelectrochemical applications, applying innovative microfluidic techniques, which later contributed to a patent by her research group. Sandra’s education combined theoretical knowledge with extensive laboratory training, allowing her to develop advanced skills in material synthesis and characterization. She has also participated in specialized courses and workshops in spectroscopy, electrochemistry, bibliographic management, and materials science, strengthening her interdisciplinary expertise and preparing her for cutting-edge research in renewable energy and catalytic materials.

Experience 

Sandra Palenzuela Rebella’s research career began with internships and thesis projects in material synthesis, drug design, and catalysis, providing her a diverse scientific foundation. She joined IMDEA Energy as a training researcher, optimizing photocatalytic materials for hydrogen production, and progressed to a pre-doctoral researcher role, focusing on advanced polymeric and hybrid nanomaterials for solar fuels. Her work includes synthesizing ultrananostructured conjugated porous polymers, developing novel fabrication methods, and scaling up solar energy applications. Sandra has co-authored research articles in leading journals, contributed to a European patent, and actively participated in R&D projects funded by regional and European institutions. She has supervised students, collaborated internationally, and presented findings at numerous conferences, including international symposia on molecular sieves, catalysis, and renewable energy. Alongside her research, Sandra has tutoring experience in chemistry, physics, and mathematics, demonstrating her communication and mentoring skills. Her career reflects a strong focus on sustainable energy innovation through multidisciplinary chemical research.

Awards and Honors 

Sandra Palenzuela Rebella has received multiple recognitions for her contributions to energy and materials research. She was awarded a prestigious predoctoral fellowship from Comunidad de Madrid to support her ongoing doctoral studies at IMDEA Energy. She earned a Best Poster Award at the Annual Workshop of Young Researchers of IMDEA Energy for her work on nanostructured conjugated porous polymers for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical applications. Sandra has actively participated in national and international conferences, representing her research group at major scientific meetings, including the PhotoIUPAC congress and Reunión Bienal de la Real Sociedad Española de Química. She has contributed to patented innovations in material synthesis, underscoring her role in advancing high-impact scientific research. Her participation in competitive European-funded projects demonstrates her involvement in cutting-edge renewable energy initiatives. In addition to formal recognition, her collaborative work with renowned institutions and publication record in top journals reflects her growing influence in photocatalysis and solar energy research.

Research Focus 

Sandra Palenzuela research is centered on developing innovative materials for renewable energy applications, particularly in solar-driven photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical energy conversion. She specializes in designing ultrananostructured conjugated porous polymers and hybrid materials to enhance hydrogen production and solar fuel generation. Her expertise spans organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and material nanostructuring using advanced microfluidic and electrochemical techniques. Sandra’s work integrates fundamental chemistry with applied energy research, contributing to scalable solar energy solutions. She has been actively involved in European and regional R&D initiatives focused on artificial photosynthesis, ammonia production, and hydrogen technologies. Her research approach emphasizes molecular-level control of material properties to improve catalytic efficiency, environmental sustainability, and system integration in solar energy devices. Collaborating with international research teams, she contributes to advancing clean energy innovation through experimental design, characterization, and pilot-scale applications. Sandra’s scientific vision aligns with the global transition to renewable energy systems, emphasizing green chemistry and sustainable material development.

Publications

Title: Ultra‐Nanostructured Phenazine Conjugated Porous Polymers as Efficient Photocatalyst for Solar‐Driven Hydrogen Production
Year: 2025

Title: High‐Performance Microfluidic Techniques toward Nanostructuration of BODIPY and BOPHY Based CPPs Hybrid Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Production
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Sandra Palenzuela Rebella is a highly promising early-career researcher whose strong publication record, innovation in photocatalytic materials, and recognition at conferences position her as a strong contender for the Best Research Article Award. Her contributions to solar-driven hydrogen production and applied material science are significant for advancing clean energy solutions. While further international recognition and expanded research leadership would strengthen her profile, her achievements already reflect exceptional dedication, originality, and impact.