Key technologies, such as energy production and storage, must shift toward sustainable solutions to meet the goals of the European Green Deal and the EU 2030 climate targets. The development of efficient energy storage devices is considered a strategic technology for the transition to renewable energy sources. MXene/polyaniline (PANI) composites show great potential for energy storage and conversion, particularly in aqueous supercapacitors, reducing the need for organic solvents and contributing to sustainability.
The design of electrodes with stable hierarchical structures and synergistic effects during electrochemical processes is crucial for portable energy storage devices with high power density and long cycle life. The project will focus on the development of aqueous electrochemical double-layer capacitors with improved specific capacitance and energy density, thus overcoming current limitations in this field.
In collaboration with international experts, the project combines electron microscopy, machine learning, and electrochemistry to identify key descriptors of electrochemical activity. The use of advanced electron microscopy as a central tool will provide insights into nanoscale interactions and structural dynamics within MXene-PANI composites. These findings are essential for optimizing material design, tailoring properties, and clarifying the mechanisms governing performance.