Prof. Dr. Manuel Bethencourt | Earth | Best Researcher Award

Full Prof, University of Cadiz, Spain

Manuel Bethencourt Núñez is a distinguished researcher and academic with over three decades of experience in corrosion science and archaeometry. His academic journey began with an FPI grant (1995–1999), culminating in his doctoral thesis. He became an Associate Professor in 1999, advancing to Full Professor at the University of Cadiz in 2004 and University Professor in 2016. Currently, he leads the Peripheral Service Laboratory for Historical Heritage Conservation and the Unmanned Marine Vehicles Section at UCA’s Drone Service. Bethencourt’s work encompasses multidisciplinary collaborations, focusing on innovative corrosion protection methods and technological advancements in unmanned marine vehicles. With an impressive portfolio of 78 JCR-indexed publications, an h-index of 28, three patents, and leadership in numerous international and national projects, he has significantly contributed to his field. He is also a mentor, guiding students to successful academic and professional careers worldwide.

Profile 

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Education 

Manuel Bethencourt Núñez earned his early academic qualifications in Spain, culminating in a PhD through the prestigious FPI grant program (1995–1999). His doctoral research laid the foundation for his future focus on corrosion science and archaeometry. In 1999, he was appointed Associate Professor, marking the beginning of a steady ascent in academia. He later earned a position as Full Professor at the University of Cadiz in 2004 through a competitive process, reflecting his dedication and expertise in his field. By 2016, his accomplishments secured his promotion to University Professor, further cementing his academic standing. Throughout his career, Bethencourt has pursued multidisciplinary knowledge, continuously integrating advanced scientific methodologies and collaborating internationally with leading institutions such as CONICET (Argentina), UNAM (Mexico), and Ulster University (Northern Ireland). His educational achievements reflect a lifelong commitment to learning, mentoring, and advancing scientific innovation.

Research Focus 

Manuel Bethencourt Núñez’s research centers on corrosion processes in marine environments, environmentally friendly protective methods, and archaeometry. A key area of his work involves the development of electrochemical techniques like Electrochemical Noise to analyze corrosion phenomena. He has innovated protective coatings, such as zirconium oxynitrides, and explored the degradation of aerospace and marine materials. In archaeometry, Bethencourt combines materials science with cultural heritage preservation, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach. His research also extends to cutting-edge technologies, particularly unmanned marine vehicles, leveraging these platforms for marine interventions and studies. With 78 JCR-indexed publications, three international patents, and numerous national and European projects, his work has practical and theoretical significance. Bethencourt is a leading figure in corrosion science, recognized for his innovative contributions to environmental sustainability, advanced methodologies, and his role in bridging science and technology for societal benefit.

Publications 

1. 🌿 Lanthanide compounds as environmentally-friendly corrosion inhibitors of aluminium alloys: a review
2. 📉 Using wavelets transform in the analysis of electrochemical noise data
3. ⚙️ Localized alkaline corrosion of alloy AA5083 in neutral 3.5% NaCl solution
4. 🛡️ Inhibition of 5083 aluminium alloy and galvanised steel by lanthanide salts
5. 🌊 Biocorrosion of carbon steel alloys by sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio capillatus
6. 🧪 CeCl3 and LaCl3 binary solutions as corrosion inhibitors of AA5083 Al–Mg alloy
7. 📊 Wavelet transform-based analysis for electrochemical noise
8. 🌱 Inhibitor properties of “green” pigments for paints
9. 🧩 Advanced generation of green conversion coatings for aluminium alloys
10. 🌊 Protection against corrosion in marine environments of AA5083 Al–Mg alloy
11. 🌎 High protective, environmentally friendly conversion coatings for aluminium alloys
12. 🔬 Behaviour of alloy AA2017 in aqueous solutions of NaCl: Corrosion mechanisms
13. 🔧 Influence of intermetallics on electrochemical reproducibility in AA5083 alloy
14. ⚡ Use of wavelets to study electrochemical noise transients
15. ✨ Influence of AA5083 polishing degree on localized alkaline corrosion
16. 🎨 Lifetime prediction of waterborne acrylic paints with AC–DC–AC method
17. 🛡️ Monitoring degradation of high solids epoxy coating by EIS and EN
18. 📜 XPS and AES analyses of cerium conversion coatings on AA5083
19. 🌊 Electrochemical noise for studying CeCl3 inhibition on AA5083 in seawater
20. ⚗️ Using EIS to analyze AA5083 treated by thermal activation in cerium salts