Synthesis and characterization of MXenes for energy conversion and storage applications

• Grant number: 22/09093-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2022
• End date: December 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Hugo Gajardoni de Lemos
• Grantee: Gabriel Dias Trevisan
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 20/12356-8 - Stability optimization of perovskite solar cells, AP.TEM

Abstract

Recently, a novel class of 2D materials consisting of carbides or nitrides of transitional metals, MXenes, has drawn attention for several applications of energy conversion and storage due to its unique spectroscopic and electrochemical properties. These properties are strongly dependent from the synthesis and exfoliation methods of their precursors MAX phases. This project aims the synthesis and characterization of MXenes focusing on the morphology and chemical properties of the materials obtained. Different approaches involving chemical exfoliation and thermal post-treatment will be carried out to maximize the materials surface and to tune the concentration of functional groups in their structure. Thereby, this study will focus in optimizing synthesis parameters to obtain structures with desirable properties, such as morphology, electrical conductivity, appropriated energy levels, redox activity and processability. This project will then allow the student to advance in the 2D materials field for different energy applications.