IN-PERSON EVENT - REGISTER HERE to attend

By Dr Mengnan Wang -Swansea University

Abstract: Advancing carbon-based materials across electrochemical energy technologies requires both nanoscale insight and scalable strategies. This talk presents a multiscale approach to engineering structured electrodes for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), alongside an institutional perspective on large-scale testing capability. We first explore ionomer-catalyst interactions and bulk transport in PEMFC catalyst layers, using Pt/C supported on nanostructured carbons, including highly ordered mesoporous carbon (HOMC) derived from biomass. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals how mesoporous architecture optimises local transport and electrochemical performance [Nat Commun, 2024 15, 9390]. Building on this, a dual-templated, lignin-derived catalyst layer with a hierarchical structure achieves enhanced oxygen transport and activity under gas diffusion conditions [J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 24878-24885]. Next, we present our work on hard carbon anodesfor SIBs. Through controlled microstructure and porosity engineering, we explored the mechanism of sodium ion storage and the critical requirement of closed pores. [Chem. Mater. 2023, 35, 10416−10433] Finally, the talk will introduce the broader energy materials research landscape at CAPTURE, Swansea University, with particular focus on our scaled battery testing infrastructure—from coin to pouch cell assembly, automated cyclers, and industrially aligned protocols—enabling seamless translation from lab discovery to real-world application.

Short Bio: Dr Mengnan Wang joined Swansea University in 2024 as a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering. She holds a PhD from Imperial College London and both a BEng and MSc from the National University of Singapore. Her research focuses on developing sustainable based materials for electrochemical systems, including fuel cells, electrolysers, sodium-ion batteries, and CO₂ electroreduction (CO₂RR). She explores how multiscale structures—from nanoscale interfaces to macroscopic architectures—impact electrochemical performance and transport behaviour. A central theme of her work is microenvironment engineering, which involves tailoring the local reaction environment to optimise activity, selectivity, and mass transport in electrochemical processes. By combining advanced synthesis with operando characterisation, she aims to deliver innovative and scalable materials for clean energy and decarbonisation. In addition to academic research, Dr Wang brings over 10 years of experience in technology transfer and industry collaboration. Her translational perspective bridges fundamental science and practical solutions for sustainable energy technologies

Hosted by Prof. Pedro Gómez Romero,  Novel Energy-Oriented Materials Group Leader.