MAHER EL-KADY
Assistant Researcher (UC Professional Research Series)
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
University of California, Los Angeles
Co-founder & Chief Science and Technology Officer
Nanotech Energy, Inc.
https://www.nanotechenergy.com
UCLA Address
607 Charles E. Young Dr. East
Molecular Sciences Building 2230
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Email. melkady2040@ucla.edu
Biography
Dr. Maher F. El-Kady is a scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur recognized for developing advanced materials and battery technologies that bridge fundamental research and commercial innovation. He is a Professional Researcher in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Co-founder and Chief Science & Technology Officer of Nanotech Energy, Inc., where he leads the development of next-generation energy storage technologies.
His research focuses on solving many of the key challenges facing modern electrification, including battery safety, fast charging, high-power operation, extreme-temperature performance, scalable manufacturing, and emerging battery chemistries. Over the course of his career, he has pioneered technologies ranging from laser-derived graphene and ultrafast supercapacitors to safer lithium-ion batteries, high-power batteries for AI data centers, ultra-low-temperature batteries for aerospace and defense, 3D printed batteries, and next-generation sodium- and zinc-ion energy storage systems.
Beyond electrochemical energy storage, his research has expanded to advanced materials and devices for hydrogen production and storage, flexible and wearable electronics, printed electronics, chemical and biological sensors, implantable biomedical devices, nanogenerators for self-powered systems, electromagnetic interference shielding, and sustainable environmental technologies. A common thread throughout his work is the integration of innovative materials design with scalable manufacturing, enabling technologies that transition efficiently from the laboratory to real-world applications.
Building on these discoveries, Dr. El-Kady co-founded Nanotech Energy to accelerate the commercialization of advanced materials and battery technologies. As Co-founder and Chief Science & Technology Officer, he leads the company's scientific and technical strategy, overseeing the development of ultra-high-power lithium-ion batteries for AI data centers and mission-critical backup power systems, high-energy-density batteries for aerospace, defense, and unmanned aerial systems, and safer lithium-ion batteries designed to significantly reduce the risk of thermal runaway while improving the safety and reliability of next-generation electrified systems.
He has co-authored more than 250 patents and patent applications and over 80 peer-reviewed scientific publications, which have collectively received more than 24,000 citations. His graphene-based supercapacitor research was selected for inclusion in the opening chapter of Chemistry by Raymond Chang and Jason Overby, one of the world's most widely used general chemistry textbooks, where it is presented as one of four examples illustrating how modern chemistry is shaping the twenty-first century.
Dr. El-Kady has received numerous national and international honors, including election as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the Energy Storage Materials Young Scientist Award, the C&EN Talented 12 recognition from the American Chemical Society, the CES Innovation Award, the UCLA Herbert Newby McCoy Award, the Amgen Postdoctoral Award, the Lindau Graduate Student Award, the Cairo University Presidential Award for Excellence in Research and numerous international recognitions for scientific innovation and technology leadership.
His research has also reached broad public audiences through documentaries, television programs, and international media. His work has been featured in productions associated with the Sundance Film Festival, the NOVA science series, BBC Four, and other outlets highlighting scientific discoveries and innovations that are transforming modern society. He also had the privilege of featuring in a movie alongside Nobel laureate Harry Kroto, whose groundbreaking discovery of fullerenes over three decades ago ignited a global surge of nanotechnology research.
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Papers 80+, citations: 24000+; h-index: 53 as of July 03, 2026
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Clarivate Analytics: 11 articles in the category of "highly cited papers", which features research papers in the top 1% of their academic field according to the Web of Science.
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Developed extensive intellectual property with a global portfolio of 254 patents and patent applications
Google Scholar Citations as of July 03, 2026
Applications by Country
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Professional Experience
2014–Present | Co-Founder & Chief Science & Technology Officer
Nanotech Energy, Inc.
Co-founded Nanotech Energy to translate advances in graphene, materials science, and energy storage into commercially scalable technologies. Leads the company's scientific and technology strategy, including advanced materials, next-generation batteries, manufacturing scale-up, intellectual property development, and energy-storage platforms for data centers, electric mobility, defense, and other demanding applications.
2019–Present | Assistant Researcher (Research Professor)
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Leading research in advanced materials and next-generation energy-storage technologies, with emphasis on battery safety, fast charging, high-power performance, extreme-temperature operation, emerging battery chemistries, and scalable manufacturing. Research spans fundamental materials discovery through device development and translation toward practical applications.
2014–2016 | Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University
Held a special research-focused faculty appointment at Cairo University, one of the oldest and largest universities in the region, while concurrently pursuing research at UCLA in advanced materials for energy storage, nanotechnology, and electronics. Stepped down from the position in 2016 to focus on expanding research UCLA and translating emerging energy and materials technologies toward commercialization through Nanotech Energy.
2014–2019 | Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Conducted multidisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science, energy storage, electronics, and nanotechnology. Developed advanced materials and devices for batteries and supercapacitors, self-powered and wearable electronics, electronic skin, water splitting, and implantable medical technologies.
2009–2013 | Doctoral Researcher
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Developed pioneering laser-based approaches for producing and patterning graphene and investigated their applications in high-performance energy-storage devices, particularly supercapacitors and microsupercapacitors.
2004–2009 | Lecturer of Chemistry
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University
Held a teaching-intensive academic appointment with responsibility for a broad range of undergraduate chemistry courses, including physical, organic, analytical, and inorganic chemistry, with a typical teaching load of 18–24 hours per week. Alongside teaching, conducted research in physical chemistry, electrochemistry, and nanomaterials while pursuing graduate research at Cairo University.
Awards and Honors
Major Honors & International Recognition
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[2026] Elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (FNAI): One of the highest professional honors for academic inventors, recognizing individuals whose inventions have made a significant impact on society, economic development, and quality of life.
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[2023] Energy Storage Materials Young Scientist Award: International award recognizing exceptional early-career contributions to battery and energy storage research.
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[2022] ACS Talented 12: Selected by the American Chemical Society as one of twelve early-career scientists worldwide whose research is expected to shape the future of chemistry.
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[2022] CES Innovation Award: Presented at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world's largest consumer technology exhibition, recognizing breakthrough technologies with exceptional innovation and commercial potential.
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[2015] Amgen Postdoctoral Award Presented by UCLA's Molecular Biology Institute to recognize exceptional postdoctoral research and outstanding scientific achievement across the life and physical sciences.
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[2013] Most Prominent Scientific Achievements of the Arab World 2013 Selected by Al-Jazeera as one of the most significant scientific achievements of the year in the Arab world.
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[2013] Exemplary Egyptian Scholars Award Presented by Egypt's Ministry of Manpower and Immigration in recognition of distinguished scientific achievements by Egyptian scholars abroad.
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[2013] Cairo University Presidential Award for Excellence in Research Presented in a special ceremony at UCLA by officials from Cairo University, UCLA, and the Embassy of Egypt in Washington.
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[2012] UCLA Herbert Newby McCoy Award Presented annually by the UCLA Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for the year's most outstanding research contribution in chemistry.
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[2009] Lindau Graduate Student Award Selected to participate in the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, one of the world's most prestigious scientific gatherings, bringing together outstanding young scientists with Nobel laureates.
Additional Honors and Professional Recognition
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[2026] Al-Shabab Magazine – Cover Feature
Featured on the cover of Al-Shabab, a prominent Egyptian youth and culture magazine published by Al-Ahram, one of the Middle East’s oldest and largest media institutions. -
[2025] Energy to Spare: Building Better Batteries
Selected as a featured scientist in Energy to Spare: Building Better Batteries, a science film highlighting advances in next-generation battery technology and supported by the Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. -
[2025] UCLA Newsroom – IN FOCUS, Arab American Heritage Month
Featured by UCLA Newsroom during Arab American Heritage Month, recognizing my scientific career, innovation, and contributions to energy-storage research. -
[2025] The Most Visionary Business Leader in the Energy Sector 2025 – The Enterprise World Magazine
Recognized for leadership in translating advanced battery and materials research into scalable technologies and commercial products. -
[2025] The 10 Most Influential Leaders in E-Mobility – CIOLOOK Magazine
Selected among leaders influencing the future of electric mobility through innovation in advanced batteries, energy storage, and commercialization. -
[2023] Top 10 Influential Leaders of 2023 – Iconic Express Magazine
Recognized among influential leaders for contributions to scientific innovation, advanced energy technologies, and entrepreneurship. -
[2022] Top 10 Best CTOs – C-Level Focus Magazine
Recognized for technology leadership and for advancing the development and commercialization of next-generation battery and materials technologies. -
[2021] UCLA Top Stories of the Year – UCLA Newsroom
Research selected among UCLA Newsroom’s top stories of the year, highlighting the broader scientific and public impact of the work. -
[2019] MRS Meeting Scene – Featured Presentation
Research presentation selected for coverage by MRS Meeting Scene at the Materials Research Society meeting, one of the major international gatherings in materials science. -
[2018] Top 10 Most-Cited Research Articles in Science
Research ranked among the ten most-cited articles published in Science, reflecting the substantial and sustained scientific impact of the work. -
[2017] Notable Scientific Contributions of the Year – University of California
Research on battery-free implantable medical devices selected by the University of California as one of the year’s notable scientific contributions. -
[2016] Henrik Fisker Endorsement of Battery Technology
Advanced battery technology developed by our team received public recognition from automotive designer and entrepreneur Henrik Fisker for its potential in next-generation electric vehicles. -
[2015] UCLA Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Award – Honorable Mention
Received Honorable Mention and a $1,000 prize in UCLA’s Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Award competition, recognizing outstanding postdoctoral research and scholarly achievement. -
[2009] Full Ph.D. Scholarship – General Missions Program, Government of Egypt
Awarded a competitive full scholarship by the Government of Egypt’s General Missions Program to pursue doctoral studies at UCLA. -
[2009] Best M.Sc. Thesis Award – Cairo University
Received the Best M.Sc. Thesis Award from the School of Physical Sciences at Cairo University in recognition of outstanding graduate research. -
[2009] German Research Foundation (DFG) – Selected Participant
Selected and invited by the German Research Foundation (DFG) to participate in a research program visiting leading chemistry institutions in Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Bonn. -
[2008] Distinguished Teaching Award, School of Physical Sciences, Cairo University
Awarded in recognition of excellence in undergraduate chemistry teaching and commitment to student education. -
[2007] Distinguished Teaching Award, School of Physical Sciences, Cairo University
Received for outstanding teaching performance and contributions to undergraduate chemistry education. -
[2005] Shield of Excellence, Egyptian Syndicate of Scientific Professions
National professional recognition awarded by the Egyptian Syndicate of Scientific Professions in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. -
[2004] Six Distinguished Student Awards, Cairo University
Received six university and faculty-level distinctions recognizing outstanding academic performance, leadership, and exemplary student service during undergraduate studies. -
[2003] Exemplary Junior Award, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University
Selected by the Department of Chemistry for distinction in academic achievement, conduct, and student engagement during the junior year. -
[2002] Exemplary Sophomore Award, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University
Selected by the Department of Chemistry for outstanding academic performance and exemplary student achievement during the sophomore year.
Interviews
Energy to Spare: Building Better Batteries
Energy to Spare is a seven-minute educational film by Chemistry Shorts® that explores how batteries work and why we urgently need safer, more sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion technology. Using humor, animation, and real-world examples, the film highlights the challenges of lithium-based batteries—including fire hazards, high cost, and environmental concerns—and introduces zinc-ion batteries as a promising solution. Featuring UCLA scientist Dr. Maher El-Kady, the film showcases how chemists are creating next-generation batteries that are safer, cheaper, and more eco-friendly. Aimed at high school and college students, it serves as a fun and engaging introduction to energy storage and sustainable chemistry.
The Super Supercapacitor
This short film features our UCLA discovery of graphene supercapacitors fabricated using a simple laser-based process. The technology combines high energy storage with the ability to charge and discharge dramatically faster than conventional batteries. Directed by Brian Golden Davis for the GE Focus Forward Filmmaker Competition, The Super Supercapacitor went viral, reaching millions of views across Vimeo and YouTube and bringing worldwide attention to our research.
Revolutionizing Electric Cars
Join Ric Kaner and Maher El-Kady in an insightful conversation as they explore the transformative potential of graphene in revolutionizing the automotive industry. Delve into the captivating world of "Breakthrough: The Ideas That Changed the World," a video series that unveils the incredible impact of six iconic inventions throughout human history. Witness the interplay of science, invention, and technology as they intertwine to reshape our world as we know it. The full episode aired recently on PBS (US) and BBC4 (UK) [link here]. IMDB rating 8.2/10.
Nanotech Energy Announces Nonflammable Battery
Lithium-ion batteries have transformed the way society uses energy. They can hold a lot of charge in a small volume, allowing cell phones, laptop computers, and even electric cars to exist. So, they are closely related to our daily lives but they have obvious safety issues. A battery, if shorted, could become a fireball bomb nearly impossible to extinguish using conventional techniques. In this interview, our teams at Nanotech Energy and UCLA present a game-changing non-flammable battery smothering the potential of a flame or explosion and providing a safer battery solution.
The Search for the Super Battery - NOVA Science Show - PBS TV
We live in an age when technological innovation seems to be limitlessly soaring. But for all the satisfying speed with which our gadgets have improved, many of them share a frustrating weakness: the batteries. Though they have improved in the last century, batteries remain finicky, bulky, expensive, toxic, and maddeningly short-lived. A new way of making supercapacitors may help them store more energy than normal batteries.
The Power of Graphene Technology with Grant Imahara
In a captivating discussion, Grant Imahara engages in a dialogue with power industry leaders and innovators, delving into the future of power technology, with a particular focus on graphene advancements. Joining the conversation are esteemed UCLA chemists and graphene experts, Richard Kaner and Maher El-Kady. Their insights shed light on the potential of these cutting-edge technologies and their transformative impact on the power industry.
Making Graphene - Maher El-Kady and Grant Imahara
Dr. Maher El-Kady teams up with legendary Grant Imahara to unveil the process of creating Graphene, the extraordinary material driving a remarkable advancement in portable power. In this captivating demonstration, they showcase the innovative production techniques that enable the fabrication of Graphene. By shedding light on this groundbreaking process, El-Kady and Imahara provide a glimpse into the transformative potential of Graphene in revolutionizing portable power solutions. Prepare to be amazed as they unveil the secrets behind this remarkable breakthrough that has the power to shape the future of energy storage and propel us into a new era of portable power.
Nanotechnology: Use and Misuse - Lindau Nobel Laureates Meeting - Germany 2009 - Nature Publishing Group
Sir Harry Kroto won the Nobel Prize for discovering the soccer-ball-shaped fullerenes, strangely-structured carbon molecules also known as buckyballs. These molecules led to the development of carbon nanotubes and the burgeoning field of nanoscience. But young chemists Stephanie Benight and Maher El-Kady want to know how we can use buckyballs in the future, and whether we should be worried by some aspects of these new nano-scale technologies.
The Super Supercapacitor - How to Charge your Phone in Seconds | Maher El-Kady | TEDxCairo 2014
Maher El-Kady, a researcher at UCLA, has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of battery technology through the development of the super supercapacitor. This revolutionary battery technology promises to transform the way we store and utilize energy, from enabling faster charging for our phones to extending the range of electric vehicles. Join us in an engaging TED talk where we delve into the latest advancements in battery technology and explore the next generation of fast-charging energy storage systems. Discover how Maher El-Kady's innovative research is shaping the future of energy storage, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable power solutions. This enlightening discussion will open your mind to the possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of batteries and their impact on our daily lives.
Advancing Education in Egypt - MBC Group
Sherif Amer, renowned talk show host on MBC Masr, conducted a captivating interview with Maher El-Kady, where they explored a wide range of topics, including the future of batteries and electric vehicles, as well as advancements in science education in Egypt and the Middle East. The discussion delved into the latest developments and innovations in battery technology, emphasizing their significance for the future of sustainable energy and transportation. The Interview shed light on the importance of promoting science education in the region, fostering a culture of scientific curiosity and knowledge dissemination.
New Research Directions - Alghad TV
Maher El-Kady discusses his latest research on fast-charging batteries and tiny power generators that can harvest body motion to create sustainable power for portable electronics. He also describes a breakthrough energy storage device that may allow future pacemakers to be used for a lifetime without the need for batteries. This innovation, achieved in collaboration with researchers from the University of Connecticut, involves a remarkable biological supercapacitor that can convert the body's ions into storable energy.
مقدمة القناة: يعكفُ العالمُ المصريُ الشاب ماهر القاضي على تطويرِ اختراع توصل إليه منذ سنوات وهو عبارة عن بطارياتٍ حديثةٍ للهواتف يتم شحنها خلال ثوانٍ معدودة ويستمر عملُها لعدة ساعات وذلك بعد دراسات أجراها على مادة الجرافين، الاختراع - بحسب القاضي - يمهد السوقَ لاكتساح السيارات الكهربائية فالمكثفاتُ الخارقةُ التي يتم صُنعُها من الجرافين قادرةٌ على تخزين الطاقة بصورة مضاعفة، تفاصيل أكثر حول هذا الاختراع وانعكاساته وفوائده الاقتصادية نتابعها مع الدكتور ماهر القاضي العالم المصري والباحث في جامعة كاليفورنيا مع الإعلاميين ولاء غانم وعمر الأطرقجي في برنامج يوم جديد.