Maher El-Kady is a materials scientist and entrepreneur recognized for his pioneering work in graphene-based energy storage and advanced nanomaterials. He is a Professional Researcher at UCLA's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Nanotech Energy. He obtained his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Chemistry from Cairo University before earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry from UCLA under the supervision of Richard B. Kaner. Dr. El-Kady is best known for developing laser-induced graphene (LIG), a scalable technique for producing porous graphene using laser processing. This breakthrough has significantly advanced the development of flexible electronics, supercapacitors, and next-generation energy storage devices. His research interests include graphene and two-dimensional materials, batteries, supercapacitors, wearable electronics, nanogenerators, sensors, hydrogen technologies, and water purification. In addition to his academic research, Dr. El-Kady has successfully translated scientific discoveries into commercial technologies through Nanotech Energy, which develops graphene-enhanced batteries and advanced energy storage solutions. He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and holds over 250 patents and patent applications. His work has received widespread international recognition, including the C&EN Talented 12 award and the Energy Storage Materials Young Scientist Award. Through his contributions to both academia and industry, Dr. El-Kady has established himself as a leading figure in graphene research, with innovations that continue to shape the future of sustainable energy storage and flexible electronic technologies.
