Prof. Luisa Andrade | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award
Professor, at University of Porto – Faculty of Engineering, Portugal.
✨ Luísa Manuela Madureira Andrade Silva is a distinguished researcher and Assistant Professor at the Chemical Engineering Department of the University of Porto. With an extensive background in chemical engineering and materials science, she specializes in solar energy harvesting and photocatalysis. Luísa has played a pivotal role in advancing perovskite solar cell technology, contributing to sustainable energy solutions. Her research has been widely recognized through prestigious awards and extensive publications in high-impact journals. She has collaborated with international research institutes and industries, further strengthening her expertise in renewable energy and innovative material development.
Professional Profile
Education 🎓
Luísa Andrade earned her Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Porto in 2010, focusing on the study and characterization of Grätzel solar cells. Prior to that, she obtained her degree in Chemical Engineering from the same institution in 2006. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral research at LEPAE-FEUP, where she worked on photoelectrochemical cells for solar energy applications. She has also participated in specialized training programs, including research internships at École Polytechnique Fédéral de Lausanne, enhancing her expertise in renewable energy technologies.
Experience ⚖️
Since October 2019, Luísa has served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Porto’s Chemical Engineering Department. Previously, she was an Assistant Researcher at LEPABE-FEUP, leading the “Solar Group” and managing research teams working on solar energy technologies. Her international research collaborations include projects in Germany, Brazil, and Italy, focusing on redox flow battery systems and semiconductor materials for photoelectrochemical applications. With extensive experience in academia and industry partnerships, she has contributed significantly to the transition of laboratory research into industrial applications.
Research Interests 🌍
Luísa Andrade’s research focuses on renewable energy technologies, particularly perovskite solar cells, photocatalysis, and photoelectrochemical systems. She is interested in the scalability and industrialization of solar energy solutions, emphasizing sustainable materials and processes. Her work also explores the role of nanomaterials in energy conversion, advancing next-generation photovoltaic systems. Additionally, she investigates the environmental impact of energy technologies through life cycle assessment, ensuring sustainable development in the field of chemical engineering.
Awards & Recognitions 🏆
Luísa has received numerous awards for her contributions to chemical engineering and sustainable energy. She won first place in the Business Ignition Programme at the University of Porto for developing an innovative business plan. Additionally, she participated in the COHiTEC program, which supports technology-based entrepreneurship. Her Ph.D. dissertation was honored with distinction, and she has received multiple research grants from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for her pioneering work in solar energy.
Top Noted Publications 📚
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Príncipe, J., Andrade, L., Mata, T. M., Martins, A. A. (2025).
Title: Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Perovskite Solar Cell Production: Mesoporous n-i-p Versus Inverted p-i-n Architectures.
Journal: Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research
Focus: This study likely compares the environmental impacts of two main perovskite solar cell (PSC) architectures—mesoporous n-i-p and inverted p-i-n—using life cycle assessment (LCA) methods. It evaluates material usage, energy consumption, and carbon footprint to determine which structure is more sustainable. -
Duarte, V.C.M., Andrade, L. (2024).
Title: Recent Advancements on Slot-Die Coating of Perovskite Solar Cells: The Lab-to-Fab Optimisation Process.
Journal: Energies
Focus: This paper discusses improvements in slot-die coating techniques for PSCs, bridging the gap between laboratory-scale fabrication and large-scale industrial production. It may highlight process efficiency, scalability, and material optimization strategies. -
Príncipe, J., Duarte, V.C.M., Mendes, A., Andrade, L. (2023).
Title: Influence of the Transparent Conductive Oxide Type on the Performance of Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells.
Journal: ACS Applied Energy Materials
Focus: The research explores how different transparent conductive oxides (TCOs), such as ITO (indium tin oxide) and FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide), affect the efficiency and stability of inverted perovskite solar cells. This could provide insights into optimizing the electrical and optical properties of PSCs. -
Teixeira, C., Fuentes-Pineda, R., Andrade, L., Mendes, A. (2023).
Title: Fabrication of Low-Cost and Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells by Slot-Die Coating for Indoor Applications.
Journal: Materials Advances
Focus: This study investigates the production of low-cost, flexible PSCs using slot-die coating, specifically for indoor energy harvesting applications. The research might discuss material choices, efficiency under low-light conditions, and potential commercial applications. -
Castro, D., Duarte, V. C. M., Andrade, L. (2022).
Title: Perovskite Solar Modules: Design Optimization.
Journal: ACS Omega
Focus: This paper likely examines design strategies to optimize perovskite solar modules for better efficiency, stability, and manufacturability. It may cover topics such as module architecture, interconnections, and encapsulation techniques.
Conclusion
Luísa Andrade is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive contributions to solar energy research, leadership in academia, and international collaborations. Strengthening her record with additional awards, patents, and larger-scale leadership roles would further solidify her candidacy.