Energy Level Engineering of Basal plane of Metal Dichalcogenides (MoSe2 and WSe2) by Doping of Transition-Metals for the Fabrication of Energy storage Devices

In POWER, a novel asymmetric supercapacitor (SC) will be fabricated using two-dimensional (2D) transition metal (TM) doped dichalcogenides, with the aim of developing the next generation of high energy and power density SCs as energy storage devices. For the first time, TM (Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and Zn) doped 2D MoSe2, and WSe2 will be used to fabricate the asymmetric SC and combined with a battery to form a hybrid. This is a timely proposal as the energy-hungry world demands more energy and this growing demand for electrical power requires sustainable energy conversion and storage systems. This is aligned directly with the EU’s Energy Storage and Development roadmap up to 2030. The TM doped MoSe2 and WSe2 will be synthesised using low temperature hydrothermal approaches, and then mixed with binders, and used to form the negative electrode. A commercial activated carbon electrode will be used as the positive electrode, to give the asymmetric SC. The modified electrodes will be characterised using high resolution surface analytical techniques and electrochemical methods. The performance of the fabricated SCs will then be assessed and the potential applications of the optimised SC, considering both the TMs and dichalcogenides, will be explored. By working on POWER, the fellow will have the opportunity to focus on a multidisciplinary project, encompassing Physical Chemistry, Physics, Materials, Electrochemistry and Energy with global impact in the energy sector. Through a tailored Career Development Plan with a 3-month secondment at TU Delft, the fellow will be able to establish new research collaborations within Europe and reach her goal of becoming an independent researcher. With communication targeted on various groups and potential end users, the fellow will develop the skills required to communicate with non-experts, including the public, community groups and charities, enriching her academic experience in the non-academic sector.