Research Areas

​Our group utilises a complementary range of advanced manufacturing techniques to develop innovative 3D architectures composed of materials of different chemistries and dimensionality, including ceramics, graphene and other 2D materials like Transition Metal Carbides (MXenes). We focus on additive manufacturing (3D printing) and templating (e.g. freeze casting) methods to attain complex material designs with a high degree of control on the micro and macro-structure. The materials we develop are applicable in many areas including: a sustainable electrified economy; biomedical; aerospace; energy storage and harvesting.

The ever-growing demand for energy, sourced from fossil fuels, in a rapidly developing society places great strain on global ecosystems, and positions the energy economy in a state of flux. Thus, there is an impetus towards sustainable and renewable energy technologies. One facet of this growing portfolio of technologies is electrochemical energy storage. In strengthening their performance and implementing them into industry, the challenge faced by our group is to architect three-dimensional electrodes from 2D nanomaterials, making full use of their emergent properties. Our focus lies in nurturing the geometry, microstructure of the electrodes via advanced manufacturing methods establishing a comprehensive understanding on their physical and electrochemical properties. This in turns provides us a springboard from which materials can be tailored for applications in batteries, supercapacitors and hybrid capacitors.

By 2030, 1 billion more people will be living on earth than today with 6 billion annual flyers and an astonishing 5 billion people residing in cities. Therefore, this calls for a truly revolutionary approach to power. Electrification is gripping the imagination of companies looking to address this rapidly-changing world. It offers the opportunity for sustainable growth, reduced carbon emission and a new fundamental change in the way we power the world around us. The ability to harness and advance the power of electricity will depend on the technological and materials breakthroughs. E-Fan-X (figure right) is an important demonstration of the impact electrification will have on the aerospace industry. Our group will work closely with Rolls Royce to strive to overcoming the engineering challenges for electrification.