IN-PERSON EVENT - REGISTER HERE \;to attend
\nBy Dr Mengnan Wang \;-Swansea Univers ity
\nAbstract: Advan cing carbon-based materials across electrochemical energy technologies req uires both nanoscale insight and scalable strategies. This talk presents a multiscale approach to engineering structured electrodes for proton excha nge membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs)\, alongsi de an institutional perspective on large-scale testing capability. We firs t explore ionomer-catalyst interactions and bulk transport in PEMFC cataly st layers\, using Pt/C supported on nanostructured carbons\, including hig hly ordered mesoporous carbon (HOMC) derived from biomass. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals how mesoporous architecture optimises loca l 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 u nder gas diffusion conditions [J. Mater. Chem. A\, 2024\,12\, 24878-24885] . Next\, we present our work on hard carbon anodesfor SIBs. Through contro lled microstructure and porosity engineering\, we explored the mechanism o f sodium ion storage and the critical requirement of closed pores. [Chem. Mater. 2023\, 35\, 10416−10433] Finally\, the talk will introduce the br oader energy materials research landscape at CAPTURE\, Swansea University\ , with particular focus on our scaled battery testing infrastructure—fro m coin to pouch cell assembly\, automated cyclers\, and industrially align ed protocols—enabling seamless translation from lab discovery to real-wo rld application.
\nShort Bio: Dr Mengnan Wang joined Swansea University in 2024 as a Lecturer i n Chemical Engineering. She holds a PhD from Imperial College London and b oth a BEng and MSc from the National University of Singapore. Her research focuses on developing sustainable based materials for electrochemical sys tems\, including fuel cells\, electrolysers\, sodium-ion batteries\, and C O₂ electroreduction (CO₂RR). She explores how multiscale structures— from nanoscale interfaces to macroscopic architectures—impact electroche mical 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 el ectrochemical processes. By combining advanced synthesis with operando cha racterisation\, she aims to deliver innovative and scalable materials for clean energy and decarbonisation. In addition to academic research\, Dr Wa ng brings over 10 years of experience in technology transfer and industry collaboration. Her translational perspective bridges fundamental science a nd practical solutions for sustainable energy technologies
\nHosted by \;Prof. Pedro Gómez Romero\,
\; Novel Energy-Oriented Materials \;Group Leader.