Projects
Experimental and theoretical study of novel (semi)conductive polymer nanocomposites based on co-continuous block copolymer matrices combined with carbon nanotubes and metal-based nanowires Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Nanocomposite polymer electrolyte membranes based on proton-conducting metal organic frameworks and polymerized protic ionic liquids for fuel cell applications KU Leuven
Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are finding applications in vehicles, power plants and portable electronics. Current PEMFCs using state-of-the-art perfluorosulfonic acid polymer membranes (e.g. Nafion®) require humidification of the inlet gases, leading to higher system complexity and cost. In addition, fuel crossover decreases the fuel cell efficiencies. Therefore, new membranes with sufficiently high proton conductivity and ...
Efficiency enhancement of bulk thermoelectrics by a nanostructuring approach Ghent University
Mesoporous silica materials with linear and interconnected pore systems and tuneable pore diameters were synthesized for their use as template material for the nanocasting of thermoelectric materials, which allows us to synthesize nanowire network structures with a controllable diameter and interconnectivity. It was shown that the templateU+2019s pore diameter could be easily enlarged by ageing them at a higher temperature or using ...
Nanocomposite solid electrolytes for Li-ion batteries KU Leuven
The large-scale use of fossil fuels required to meet the ever-growing global need for energy has some inherent disadvantages. It is unsustainable and has already led to a change of the global climate caused by emissions. This has bolstered a global push towards the development and use of sustainable energy, such as solar and wind. These intermittent energy sources necessitate further technological improvements in energy storage to create a ...
Nanocomposite electrolytes for Medium-Temperature Steam Electrolyzers for hydrogen production KU Leuven
The realization of megawatt production of pressurized hydrogen gas from renewable electricity is currently limited to two commercially options: alkaline water electrolyzers (AWE) and proton- exchange-membrane (PEM) electrolysis. These low-temperature electrolysis (LTE, T < 120 °C) technologies can be complemented by high-temperature electrolysis (HTE), operating from 600 to 850 °C, currently setting its first steps into (subsidized) ...
Stretchable MXene-elastomer nanodielectrics for skin electronics. KU Leuven
Structural capacitors function as both energy storage devices and structural parts, which allows a significant weight and volume reduction. MXene-based nanocomposites show great promise as structural dielectric capacitors due to their superior mechanical properties and high energy density potential. MXenes are 2D transition metal (M) carbides, nitrides or borides (X) with extraordinary surface area, mechanical and electrical properties. ...
Synthesis and characterization of MXene based electrodes for energy storage. KU Leuven
Mn+1AXn MAX phase ceramics are a class of nanolaminated solids comprising early transition metals (M), A-group elements (A) and carbon/nitrogen (X). Exhibiting highly unusual metallic and ceramic properties alike, their layered atomic stacking allows for exfoliation via selective etching and subsequent delamination. The forthcoming 2D-materials are known as MXenes and benefit from a large surface area, metal-like conductivity, tuneable ...
Creating Electromagnetic Metamaterials via Flow-Induced Assembly with Static Mixers KU Leuven
For many applications, polymers have substantial advantages as compared to other materials, e.g. they are light-weight, flexible, easy to process and corrosion-resistant. Polymer nanocomposites containing functional conductive and magnetic particles have been shown to have large potential as flexible, easily processable and efficient EM shielding materials. Recently, increasing miniaturization and integration of numerous components in ...
Generating embedded shielding solutions using innovative layer-by-layer approaches KU Leuven
In this project, a safe-and-sustainable-by-design (SSbD) framework, which is a holistic approach that integrates the safety, circularity, energy efficiency and functionality of materials, products, and processes throughout their lifecycle, will be implemented into the design of innovative shielding solutions for mobility. Polymer-based nanocomposites will be developed for electromagnetic shielding in the GHz frequency range. Polymers are ...