Dr. Fernando Zinola , UDELAR , Uruguay
Dr. Carlos Fernando Zinola Sánchez is a distinguished electrochemist, serving as a Full Professor of Electrochemistry at Universidad de la República, Uruguay. With over three decades of academic and research expertise, he leads the Electrochemical Engineering Interdisciplinary Group at the University’s Schools of Sciences and Engineering. He is also affiliated with the National System of Researchers (Level II) and the PEDECIBA program in Chemistry. His research focuses on electrocatalysis, hydrogen production, and renewable energy technologies, with notable contributions to fuel cell design and water desalination. Dr. Zinola has authored four books, five book chapters, and over 100 academic papers in prestigious international journals. As a member of the International Society of Electrochemistry and a former president of the Sociedad Iberoamericana de Electroquímica, he has significantly advanced the field of electrochemistry globally. His innovations, including patented technologies, highlight his commitment to addressing critical energy and environmental challenges.
Professional Profile
Orcid
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Summary of Suitability for Award:
Dr. Carlos Fernando Zinola Sánchez demonstrates exceptional qualifications and achievements, making him highly suitable for the “Outstanding Scientist Award.” His profound expertise in electrochemistry, renewable energy, and advanced electrocatalysis has been validated by over 100 high-impact publications in international refereed journals, including groundbreaking studies on fuel cells and hydrogen production technologies. Dr. Zinola’s pioneering work, including patented innovations like “Hydrogen production from saline water” and “Magneto-electro-desalination of seawater,” exemplifies his commitment to solving global energy and sustainability challenges. Dr. Carlos Fernando Zinola Sánchez’s unparalleled contributions to electrochemistry and renewable energy research, combined with his global scientific influence and innovative technological advancements, position him as an exemplary candidate for the “Outstanding Scientist Award.” His work not only advances fundamental science but also addresses critical societal needs, embodying the spirit of excellence this award seeks to recognize.
🎓Education:
Carlos Fernando Zinola Sánchez’s academic journey began at Universidad de la República, Uruguay, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1987. He pursued graduate studies at the Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina, completing a Master’s degree in Chemistry (1992) and a Ph.D. in Chemistry (1994). His doctoral research focused on the electrocatalysis of molecular oxygen reduction under the mentorship of Dr. A. J. Arvia and Dr. W. E. Triaca. Postdoctoral training further enriched his expertise, including studies in ultra-high vacuum techniques at Universität Bonn, Germany (1995), and hybrid spectroscopic-electrochemical techniques at Universidad de La Laguna, Spain (1998). This rigorous educational foundation, paired with international experience, established Dr. Zinola as a leading authority in electrochemistry, enabling groundbreaking work in renewable energy, fuel cells, and water desalination.
🏢Work Experience:
Carlos Fernando Zinola Sánchez’s illustrious career spans academic leadership, cutting-edge research, and technological innovation. He holds the position of Full Professor at Universidad de la República, Uruguay, and serves as Head of the Electrochemical Engineering Interdisciplinary Group. His professional milestones include collaborations with global organizations such as YPF, UNDP, and PETROBRAS, contributing to technologies like hydrogen production, fuel cell development, and water desalination. Dr. Zinola has been integral to the design and assembly of medium-power fuel cells and the manufacturing of hydrogen-electric buses. Recognized for his interdisciplinary approach, he has advanced electrochemical systems under laminar and turbulent regimes, particularly in fuel cells. Active in international scientific societies, including the International Society of Electrochemistry, he has also served as President of the Sociedad Iberoamericana de Electroquímica. Dr. Zinola’s experience underscores a career dedicated to applying electrochemical principles to solve global energy and environmental challenges.
🏅Awards:
Dr. Carlos Fernando Zinola Sánchez’s contributions to electrochemistry have earned numerous accolades. Notable achievements include the Génesis Award for his innovative patent on platinum electrodeposits, granted by the Patents Registry in Montevideo. His technological developments, such as the US-patented “Molecular Mill Method for Energy Generation,” have received international recognition. As a Level II researcher in Uruguay’s National System of Researchers, he has been commended for excellence in renewable energy innovations, including fuel cell design and water desalination. Dr. Zinola’s leadership in the Sociedad Iberoamericana de Electroquímica (SIBAE) reflects his impact on advancing electrochemistry in Latin America. His tenure as SIBAE President (2022–2024) highlights his dedication to fostering regional scientific collaboration. Additionally, his roles in the PEDECIBA program and numerous interdisciplinary projects showcase his influence in shaping Uruguay’s scientific landscape, making him a celebrated figure in both academic and applied research communities.
🔬Research Focus:
Dr. Carlos Fernando Zinola Sánchez’s research centers on the interface of electrochemistry and sustainable technologies. His work encompasses electrocatalysis, hydrogen production, fuel cell development, and water desalination. A pioneer in understanding molecular oxygen reduction, he has developed innovative approaches to optimize catalytic surfaces for energy conversion. His interdisciplinary research applies ultra-high vacuum techniques, infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to advance fuel cell efficiency. Dr. Zinola’s technological innovations include methods for producing hydrogen from saline water, integrating oxyhydrogen into diesel engines, and magneto-electro-desalination of seawater. His research addresses global challenges such as renewable energy generation and freshwater scarcity. With over 100 publications in top-tier journals and collaborations across industries, Dr. Zinola’s contributions to sustainable energy and electrochemical engineering have significantly advanced the field, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship and technological innovation.
Publication Top Notes:
Current densities at hemispherical and columnar Pt electrocatalysts under Föppl and Burger vortex conditions
Authors: Zinola, C.F.
Year: 2024
Citations: 0
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Current density profiles at thin layer electrochemical cells under laminar and turbulent regimes
Authors: Zinola, C.F.
Year: 2023
Citations: 0
Journal: Electrochimica Acta
Kinetics of electrocatalytic reactions
Authors: Zinola, C.F.
Year: 2023
Citations: 0
Book Chapter: A Closer Look at Chemical Kinetics
Dimensionless numbers on columnar structured electrodes in hydrogen/oxygen polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Authors: Zinola, C.F.
Year: 2023
Citations: 3
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
2D dimensionless numbers in isothermal fuel cells with smooth electrocatalysts
Authors: Zinola, C.F.
Year: 2022
Citations: 2
Journal: Chemical Engineering Science
Current, Concentration and Overpotential Distributions on Columnar Structured Electrodes in a 2D PEMFC Model
Authors: Zinola, C.F.
Year: 2022
Citations: 2
Journal: ChemElectroChem
Identification and quantification of ageing mechanisms in Li-ion batteries by Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Teliz, E.; Zinola, C.F.; Díaz, V.
Year: 2022
Citations: 57
Journal: Electrochimica Acta
Theoretical description and experimental characterization of water content distributions in hydrogen PEM fuel cells
Authors: Zinola, C.F.
Year: 2022
Citations: 15
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Study of Metal Hydride Electrodes Using a Porous Model: Effect of Thermal Pretreatment and Titanium Incorporation
Authors: Martínez, M.; Teliz, E.; Zinola, C.F.; Díaz, V.
Year: 2021
Citations: 0
Journal: JOM
EIS study on metal hydride electrodes using a porous model: Fitting methodology and SOC effects
Authors: Martínez, M.; Teliz, E.; Zinola, C.F.; Díaz, V.
Year: 2020
Citations: 14
Journal: Journal of Energy Storage