Miquel Vega-Paredes

Dr. Miquel Vega-Paredes is a Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials in Düsseldorf, Germany. He leads the Work Package 'MEA-Entwicklung. Projekt zur Aktivierung von Ultra-langen Lebensdauern (PAULL)' since October 2024. Previously, he completed his PhD in Material Science at RWTH Aachen (2021–2024) with distinction, focusing on improving electrocatalysts via advanced nanostructure characterization. His academic journey includes a Master’s degree in Advanced Chemistry (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 2020–2021) and a Bachelor’s in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (same institution, 2016–2020), both with distinction.

His research interests center on electrocatalysis for fuel cells and water electrolyzers, defect engineering, and advanced microscopy techniques like (Scanning) Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), 4D-STEM, EELS, and tomography. He has conducted research stays at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2024) and the Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, exploring degradation mechanisms in fuel cell catalysts and materials.

Dr. Vega-Paredes’ publications highlight advancements in catalyst stability, nanostructure characterization, and operando insights into degradation. His work bridges theoretical simulations (e.g., atomic cluster expansions) with experimental microscopy to optimize electrochemical systems. Awards include distinctions for his PhD and Bachelor’s degrees.

His contributions to labs/teams include the Nanoanalytics and Interfaces department at his institute, focusing on sustainable materials for energy applications.