Research
The research activities of the DESINe group are focused on the synthesis of inorganic and hybrid (nano)materials, currently mainly for energy applications.
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Research lines
Our group is mainly focusing on the synthesis and characterisation of inorganic or hybrid (nano)materials for energy applications, with a particular emphasis on structural purity and profound material characterisation, and possesses all synthesis and characterisation facilities to be competitive on an international level. Moreover, the integration in the Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec) provides access to state-of-the-art testing and characterisation tools. All projects are conducted in close collaboration with colleagues from materials physics groups to unravel the processes underlying device performance.
Electrochemical energy storage
The DESINe group develops electrode materials and (solid) electrolytes for safer and more performant batteries, amongst which lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and lithium-sulfur batteries. In doing so, we contribute to the breakthrough of clean mobility and the efficient use of renewable energy sources.
The strength of the DESINe approach lies in its unique capability to tie a strong link between a material’s synthetic procedure, its fundamental physicochemical and functional characteristics, and its practical application. Our research on battery materials encompasses the development of novel materials (cathodes, anodes, electrolytes), the improvement of state-of-the-art materials, and the study of how different battery materials interact with each other.
Energy efficiency
The group has strongly focused on aqueous solution-gel routes for decades because it allows using the environmentally benign solvent water. Besides, low-temperature processes for the fabrication of inorganic thin films and powders including, for example, metal oxides and metals, have been studied. These low-temperature routes allow for reducing energy use and also enable materials fabrication on temperature-sensitive substrates. Furthermore, there is also research on materials for energy-efficient buildings, more specifically thermochromic windows.
Green Hydrogen
Renewable energy can be stored in chemical form, for instance in hydrogen molecules. With its high energy density, hydrogen could have a high economical and environmental impact as an essential energy carrier for a greener economy. The DESINe group synthesizes earth-abundant and stable materials for the production of hydrogen by water splitting via electrolysis, photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical catalysis.
In photocatalysis, light is directly used to split water molecules. Electrocatalytic water splitting, on the other hand, relies on the application of a voltage that for instance can be supplied by photovoltaic cells. In photoelectrochemical catalysis, light and the application of a voltage are combined to further increase the efficiency of the water splitting process.
Projects
Facilities
Since December 2020, the DESINe group has moved into the brand new Science Tower at UHasselt, together with all other MATCHEM colleagues! Take a look at the imo-imomec website to know more about our infrastructure and equipment.
Contact
Prof. dr. Marlies Van Bael
Prof. dr. An Hardy
