The research will enhance of battery electrodes and next-gen solar cells.
Pune - Research by Varun Natu, Alumni of Sinhgad Institutes, mechanical engineer, NBN Sinhgad School of Engineering, Ambegaon, Pune published in the Journal ‘Chem’ Volume 6, Issue 3, 13 March 2020, Pages Numbers 616 to 630, opened avenues for use of MXenes which are 2 Dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrites, in various applications such as energy storage, polymer composites, supports for quantum dots and so on.
In the case of enhanced energy storage, this research would be a game-changer in the performance of battery electrodes and next-generation solar cells. To date, the most common solvent used for acid treatment of MXenes is water, thereby making use of MXenes in water-sensitive applications difficult. This research has led to the discovery of the water-free way in making MXenes thereby opening up new applications of nanomaterials for enhanced performance of battery electrodes and next-generation solar cells amongst others.
Layered Solids Research Group of Drexel University, College of Engineering at Philadelphia, the U.S.A, headed by Prof. Dr. Michel W. Barsoum, one of the 100 most cited researchers in material science in the world has led this research. Established in 1891, over 129 years old, Drexel University is ranked amongst the best for education and research. Along with Varun Natu and Dr. M.W. Barsoum, his co-authors on the paper include Rahul Pai, Vibha Kalra. Maxim
Sokol and Michael Carey also helped in this work.
Buoyed on his research findings, Varun connected with his Alma Mater NBN Sinhgad School of Engineering. Speaking to his Principal, Prof. Dr. S.D. Markande, Head of Department Prof. M.M.
Joshi amongst others thanked them for their motivation and support during his evolving
years that has led him to pursue research further after completing his undergrad. He fondly
recalled his days at the Vadgaon-Ambegaon campus of Sinhgad Institutes, his research
internship at NCL Pune, his internship project to develop composites reinforced by natural
fibers under Dr. Satishchandra B. Ogale, the renowned scholar, Professor Emeritus and Raja Ramanna Fellow at CSIR, NCL - all facilitated by his professors, besides the constant guidance, counseling and the free use of mechanical facilities at the Labs of Sinhgad Institutes. Currently
Varun, the first author of this research paper, is a doctoral researcher at Drexel University –
College of Engineering with a year or so left to complete his academics. ‘Afterwards, I will try for a postdoc position at a National Lab here in the US, as they have one the world’s best research facilities and hopefully get a chance to study MXenes in more depth’ says Varun during an interaction. Relating his success to Sinhgad Institutes, he thanked NBN Sinhgad School of
Engineering& all his Professors, stating that “they not only motivated me to pursue my research interests, they also did everything in their scope to help me in my pursuits. I am very grateful to them.”
Tags - Research will enhance of battery electrodes and next gen solar cells.
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