Bernd Wicklein

Bernd Wicklein serves as a Tenured Scientist at the Materials Science Institute of Madrid (ICMM), part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). His research focuses on developing sustainable functional materials derived from biomass for energy and environmental applications, with particular expertise in tribo/piezoelectric nanogenerators and green electronics.

Academic Background:

• MSc in Materials Science from Stuttgart University
• PhD from Autonomous University of Madrid
• Postdoctoral research at Stockholm University

Wicklein's research centers on biomass valorization and nanocomposite materials using renewable polymers. His work pioneers 3D-printed piezo/triboelectric systems for energy harvesting, smart insulation solutions, and fire-warning sensors. Key innovations include MXene-alginate foams for dual energy harvesting/fire detection and lignin-based antimicrobial materials. His group co-organizes major symposia at EMRS and MRS conferences, driving advancements in sustainable nanotechnology.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward multifunctional sustainable materials that integrate energy harvesting with environmental remediation. His work increasingly combines biomass-derived polymers with 2D materials like MXenes to create eco-friendly solutions for real-world challenges in energy, healthcare, and pollution control.

Scientific Recognition:

• Ramón y Cajal Fellowship (prestigious Spanish postdoctoral program)
• Juan de la Cierva Fellowship (competitive early-career research grant)
• JIN Fellowship (junior investigator program)
• Visiting Professor at KAIST (2022/23)

Wicklein has supervised over 25 graduate and undergraduate students and currently mentors 2 PhD candidates. He leads significant research initiatives including the national project PID2023 and consolidation project CNS2023, both focused on 3D printing of piezo/triboelectric polymer composites. His group actively collaborates with international institutions including KAIST and Stockholm University.

As principal investigator of the Nanostructured Hybrid, Biohybrid and Porous Materials Group, Wicklein directs research on biomass-derived functional materials. The group specializes in freeze-casting techniques, nanocellulose composites, and MXene-based bionanomaterials, operating within ICMM's advanced facilities for materials characterization and synthesis.