Presenter: Dr. Majid Beidaghi

Research Associate, A. J. Drexel Nanotechnology Institute, Department of Material Science and Engineering at Drexel University

Abstract: Electrochemical capacitors (ECs), also called supercapacitors, are electrochemical energy storage devices that hold great potential due to their unique features. The rapidly growing demand for ECs for applications such as self-powered micro and nanosystems, portable electronic devices, and large-scale stationary applications has inspired much research in an effort to develop devices that can provide high power and energy densities. The important factors affecting the performance of ECs are the intrinsic properties of electrode materials and electrolytes, as well as the architectural design of the device. There is no perfect electrode material and no ideal electrolyte that can meet the performance goal for every application. Therefore, a rational design of these materials is crucial for rapid advancement and widespread implementation of ECs. In this talk, I will discuss the role of electrode materials and electrode/electrolyte interfaces in developing high performance ECs. In particular, I will give an overview of my research efforts in developing advanced electrode materials based on nanostructured carbon materials and a recently discovered family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXene). The role of electrode structure and device architecture will be demonstrated using a case study of microscale ECs (micro-supercapacitors), an emerging application for capacitive energy storage.

Bio: Dr. Majid Beidaghi is a Research Associate at A. J. Drexel nanotechnology Institute, Department of Material Science and Engineering at Drexel University. His research interests are in synthesis and characterization of materials, design and fabrication of devices for energy storage applications, and development of functional 2D and layered materials for various applications. He received his PhD from Florida International University (FIU) in 2012 receiving the University’s Worlds Ahead Graduate Award. He obtained his master’s degree from K. N. Toosi University of Technology (Iran), and his bachelor’s degree from Isfahan University of Technology (Iran), both in Materials Science and Engineering. Dr. Beidaghi’s current research is supported by Fluid Interface Reactions, Structures and Transport (FIRST) Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) managed by Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL).