Research Program

Here is a list of research activities that we are doing/planning at the SEE group. 

MXene electrochemistry for high-rate energy storage applications

-Mechanistic study of MXene-based high-rate electrochemical energy storage processes in various electrolytes

-The synthesis of novel 2D MXenes using both the molten salt and solution-based methods

-Interfacial engineering at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces

-In-situ analysis on the interfacial properties of MXenes, including X-ray diffraction, neutron depth profiling, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)

-Understanding the interface in solid-state electrolytes

Interested in joining us?

TU Delft master and bachelor students for thesis/honor program, please email me (x.wang-22 at tudelft.nl). 

For PhD and postdoc applications, please search for related positions on the TU Delft website: https://www.tudelft.nl/over-tu-delft/werken-bij-tu-delft/vacatures

Research keywords: 2D MXenes, Supercapacitor, Electrode-electrolyte interface, Charge storage mechanism 

What is MXene?

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are versatile choices for electrochemical energy storage applications. A wide variety of ions can be reversibly intercalated and de-intercalated in 2D layers, realizing charge storage and release. Due to their open layered structure and weak Van der Waals interaction between subsequent layers, 2D materials, allow high-rate energy storage with low-ion intercalation resistance. Among 2D materials, transition metal carbide/nitride MXenes are particularly promising electrode materials offering a high charge storage capacity with an ultrahigh rate capability due to their redox-active surface and metallic high electrical conductivity. 

Schematic illustration of the structure of a MXene with three metallic layers and terminated by oxygen surface groups, or M3C2O2. (MRS Bulletin, 2021, 46, 755–766.)

Since the first discovery of MXene in 2011, there is an ever-growing interest in MXene-related research, such as novel 2D materials synthesis with new stoichiometry, structural and surface characterization and functionalization, and the development of energy storage electrodes.

If you would like to learn more about MXenes and electrochemistry, welcome to visit our YouTube Channel (EChem Channel).

Periodic table showing the elements of MXenes that have been synthesized experimentally. Color code in the periodic table: red (transition metal), yellow (X element), blue (surface groups), and green (A element in MAX phases). Schematics show the general structure of different types of MXenes. (Encyclopedia of Materials: Electronics, 2021, 00015.)