3D printed electrodes for energy conversion based on 2D material inks

随着物联网的快速发展，部署在家庭自动化、健康监测、环境控制和工业过程跟踪等各种环境中的无线传感器网络正在成为一项渗透的技术。这些小型传感器和网络的一个必要要求是能源自主性。储存来自可再生能源的能源的储能组件将确保长期的能源供应。高效的能量转换元件的需求量很大。该项目将涉及电活性和光电活性材料的油墨配方、电极的3D打印和设备性能的评估。使用先进的显微镜和断层扫描方法进行详细的表征，以确定电极的微观结构。还将利用先进的光谱表征来研究电极组件的化学成分和晶体结构。根据设备评估；将修改微观结构、设计和油墨配方，以优化能量转换效率

With a fast developing of the internet-of-things, wireless sensor networks deployed in a variety of environments for home automation, health monitoring, environmental control and industrial processes tracking are becoming a permeating technology. A necessary requirement for these small sensors and networks is energy autonomy. Energy-storage components to store energy harvested from renewable sources will ensure energy supply over prolonged periods of time. Efficient energy conversion components are in high demand. The project will involve the inks formulation of electroactive and photoelectroactive materials, 3D printing of electrodes and evaluation of device performance. Detailed characterisation using advanced microscopy and tomography methods to determine the microstructure of the electrodes. Advanced spectroscopy characterization will be also utilized to study the chemical composition and the crystallographic structure of the electrode components. Upon device evaluation; microstructure, design and ink formulation will be modified to optimize the energy conversion efficiency