Highlights
2021
Work placement in the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC)
Student experienceAt the beginning of the year, Katie Lewthwaite worked as a technician in the Energy laboratory of the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre.
"This is my first experience of working in a non-academic lab, and so I have gained a valuable insight into commercialising research. I have learnt about the challenges associated with scaling up production of energy storage devices, which has given me a new perspective for my own PhD research.
During my time here, my work has included various steps of cell production, from mixing electrode formulations to assembling and testing cells. I’ve also had the opportunity to assist with scaled-up production of electrodes, including roll-to-roll printing.
I would like to thank the Energy lab team and all the other members of staff who have helped me during my time here."
2020
MXene-Based 3D Porous Macrostructures for Electrochemical Energy Storage [Link]
Research We are pleased to inform that our recently accepted review article on MXene-Based 3D Porous Macrostructures for Electrochemical Energy Storage is online on IOP's Journal of Physics: Materials.
Abstract: "... Structuring 2D materials in 3D can prevent agglomeration, increase specific surface area and improve ion diffusion, whilst also adding chemical and mechanical stability. ...This review compiles publications from 2011 up to 2019 about the research developments in 3D porous macrostructures using MXenes as building blocks, and assesses their application as battery and supercapacitor electrodes..." (Tontini, G. et al. 2020)
2019
A Review of MXene‐Based Anodes for Metal‐Ion Batteries [Link]
Research Our latest paper, A Review of MXene‐Based Anodes for Metal‐Ion Batteries, has been published in ChemSusChem and Batteries & Supercaps’ joint special issue on Two-Dimensional Energy Storage Materials. This work has been realised in collaboration with the Advanced Nanomaterials Group at the University of Manchester.
Abstract: "... Research into MXenes for energy storage has grown exponentially since 2011, and it is now necessary, especially for readers new to the field, to review progress made in more specific areas. This critical review will therefore analyse the progress made in developing MXene‐based batteries, focusing solely on anodes developed for metal‐ion batteries such as Li‐ion, Na‐ion and K‐ion." (Greaves, M. et al. 2019)
MXene Tunable Lamellae Architectures for Supercapacitor Electrodes [Link]
ResearchWe are delighted for our new paper to be accepted at ACS Applied Energy Materials where we study novel methods to produce MXene supercapacitor electrodes with tuneable porosity. This work has been realised in collaboration between The University of Manchester and Drexel University.
Abstract: "The rich elemental composition, surface chemistry, and outstanding electrical conductivity of MXenes make them a promising class of two-dimensional (2D) materials for electrochemical energy storage. To translate these properties into high performance devices, it is essential to develop fabrication strategies that allow MXenes to be assembled into electrodes with tunable architectures and investigate the effect of their pore structure on the capacitive performance. Here, we report on the fabrication of MXene aerogels with highly ordered lamellar structures by unidirectional freeze-casting of additive-free Ti₃C₂Tₓ aqueous suspensions. These structures can be subsequently processed into practical supercapacitor electrode films by pressing or calendering steps. This versatile processing route allows a wide control of film thickness, spacing within lamellae (to give electrolyte accessible sites), and densities (over 2 orders of magnitude) and hence gives control over the final properties..." (Bayram, V. et al. 2019)
GRAPHENE HACKATON [Link]
Event ParticipationIn November, Michael Greaves, Jae Jong Byun, Wenji Yang, Francis Moissinac and Jiaqi Xu were selected to take part in the world's first Graphene Hackathon at the University of Manchester's Graphene Engineering & Innovation Centre. They had 24 hours to design and prototype a product which uses graphene ink, and then pitch the product to a panel of industry and academic experts.
"Team 1 from Nano 3D/NOWNANO CDT created Softsolar, a lightweight, electro-thermally programmable shape-memory scaffold for satellite solar power arrays. They could actuate movement in origami structures by passing a current through graphene tracks." @GrapheneHack
Media Coverage
"Researchers at the University of Manchester have demonstrated for the first time the possibility to print three-dimensional freestanding MXene objects. They developed 3D-printing inks that are composed solely of large few-layer MXene flakes and water as the solvent – without the need for additives to control the ink's rheological properties." About Nano-3D recent work by Wenji Yang et al. published in Advanced Materials.
Related:
Phys.org - 3-D printable 2-D materials based inks show promise to improve energy storage devicesLong Room - 3-D printable 2-D materials based inks show promise to improve energy storage devicesAzo Materials - Researchers Develop Inks for Producing 3D-Printed Interdigitated ElectrodesAbout Manchester - 3D printable 2D materials based inks show promise to improve energy storage devices3Druck.com - Druckfarben auf der Basis von 3D-bedruckbaren 2D-Materialien sind vielversprechend, um Energiespeichergeräte zu verbessern3D Printing Industry - University of Manchester Develops 2D Material MXene Ink to 3D Print SupercapacitorsScitech Europa - 3D Printable inks using 2D material MXene: the future of electronics.The University of Manchester - 3D printable 2D materials based inks show promise to improve energy storage devicesEli and Brit Harari Graphene Enterprise Award 2019 [Link]
Award"The first prize of £50,000 was awarded to NanoPlexus and its founding team Jae Jong Byun, Dr. Suelen Barg, Francis Moissinac, Wenji Yang and Thomas Moissinac. Jae and Wenji are undertaking their PhD studies in Dr. Suelen Barg’s research group (Nano3D), with Francis starting in September. Thomas is an aerospace engineering graduate from The University of Manchester. The team has worked under the Nano3D lab in formulating their idea into a marketable product."
Related:
Scitech Europa - Winners of the Eli and Brit Harari Graphene Enterprise Award have been granted £70,000 for developments in food and energy securityThe Engineer - Manchester Uni teams share £70k graphene awardEarly Stage Carbon Researchers Networking Day [Link]
Award/EventSubrata Ghosh, Pei Yang and Jiacheng Wang presented at the Early Stage Carbon Researchers Networking Day in the National Graphene Institute on Jun 18th. Congratulations to Subrata for wining the runner-up best oral presentation award and Pei for winning the runner-up best poster presentation award.
2018
"What is it like to work at the forefront of human knowledge? Researchers and company employees are finding out as the £60m Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre opens in Manchester. Graphene was first discovered at the University of Manchester in 2004. The material — lighter and stronger than steel and also a good conductor — is a one-atom thick layer of carbon. Researchers are studying the application of it to products including running shoes, batteries, wearable biosensors, paint, thermometers and cycle helmets." Maria Iliut, Nathan Feddy, Andy Goodwin, Suelen Barg and Philip Hirst talk about their jobs at GEIC.