Energy Level Engineering of Basal plane of Metal Dichalcogenides (MoSe2 and WSe2) by Doping of Transition-Metals for the Fabrication of Energy storage Devices

Project Information

POWER

Grant agreement ID: 101106064

DOI

10.3030/101106064

Project closed

EC signature date 3 April 2023

Start date 1 August 2023

End date 31 August 2025

Funded under

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 215 534,40

Coordinated by

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND MAYNOOTH
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - POWER (Energy Level Engineering of Basal plane of Metal Dichalcogenides (MoSe2 and WSe2) by Doping of Transition-Metals for the Fabrication of Energy storage Devices)

Reporting period: 2023-08-01 to 2025-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The POWER project addresses a critical challenge in the energy sector: designing an effective storage system for clean, renewable energy. As the world transitions away from fossil fuels toward solar and wind, as well as other sustainable sources, there is a growing need for fast and environmentally friendly energy storage systems.
The current objective in POWER is to identify and comprehensively address global challenges, thereby meeting the needs of society. This project addresses that need by developing an advanced type of storage device, known as a supercapacitor. Batteries and supercapacitors are essential and promising energy storage devices. While batteries are certainly an attractive option for energy storage, they have limitations, such as a short cycle life and low power density. Moreover, health issues associated with Li-ion batteries limit their practical application, especially in flexible and wearable electronics, which demand energy storage systems that are environmentally friendly, faster, and mechanically robust, while operating over a wide range of temperatures. Unlike conventional batteries, supercapacitors charge quickly and last for a long time. However, their energy storage capacity has traditionally been limited. Therefore, the goal of this project was to increase the energy storage capacity of supercapacitors in terms of energy and power density. Over the period of two years, I have worked on the development of Supercapacitors using new materials that significantly increased energy storage capability while maintaining their long-term operating efficiency. The work was carried out at Maynooth University, with additional research and collaboration with Poland and South Korea. The project is also connected with local climate support groups and industry, ensuring broader social impact.

The POWER project directly addressed several of today’s global concerns:

(i) Climate Change & Sustainability: Efficient energy storage is essential for making solar and wind power reliable.

(ii) Health & Safety: POWER explores safer, greener alternatives to toxic battery materials, making energy storage more eco-friendly and less hazardous.

(iii) Energy storage device: Supercapacitors have the potential to revolutionise sectors such as electric vehicles, portable electronics, wearable devices, and even smart power grids.

(iii) With international attention on building a low-carbon future, the innovations in this project support the EU’s Energy Storage Roadmap to 2030, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the EU Green Deal.

The objectives of this Marie Sklodowska Curie Action (MSCA) have been to (a) develop and promote advanced energy storage devices that (b) charge more portable and wearable electronic devices. Furthermore, the outcome of POWER will help develop an innovative next-generation of SC hybrids with Batteries. A parallel goal of the MSCA Individual Fellowship is to promote the development of the individual researcher.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

My research has focused on creating advanced supercapacitor materials using different materials, specifically metal chalcogenides. These are ultra-thin layered materials that can store and release energy efficiently. The materials were prepared using eco-friendly chemical methods, making the entire process more sustainable from the start.

Some highlights of the project include:

• As per the first objective, I synthesised and tested different metal-based materials to optimise electrochemical performance. A supercapacitor device that combines two types of chemical mechanisms for operation was fabricated using these materials, achieving an energy density of up to 60 Wh/kg, which represents a significant leap forward for supercapacitor technology.

• Tested real-world applications, including small-scale energy harvesting, powering low-consumption LEDs, using this supercapacitor device. Collaborated with the Poland group to explore the potential for scaling the technology into commercial energy solutions.

• I disseminated my research through international conference presentations and six published journal articles. Further, I have attended several intensive training workshops and multi-day conferences that have enabled me to transfer knowledge and methods. Furthermore, the output of the POWER project enhanced my leadership in research at the University, as well as at national and international levels. I have conducted and presented this research as a keynote speaker at various meetings and conferences, sharing my knowledge with early-career researchers.

• The POWER project enabled me to provide supervision and mentoring to early-career researchers. Furthermore, I was appointed Associate Editor and to the editorial board of several scientific research publishing journals.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Beyond scientific success, POWER has made significant contributions to the scientific community, society, and gender equality in technology. Specifically, the research supports a cleaner, more sustainable future by offering safer, high-performance alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. The MSCA fellowship was part of a broader initiative to empower women in energy research, showcasing female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field. The project promoted public engagement and cross-sector collaboration, connecting scientists and industry professionals with a common goal.

Finally, the POWER project, supported by the MSCA Fellowship, successfully pushed my boundaries in supercapacitors, offering a significant step forward in the global movement toward cleaner and more innovative energy storage technologies. With its strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and community impact, the project not only advanced scientific knowledge but also contributed to the development of grid-level energy storage systems. A final key implication of this MSCA work is the demonstration of a tool for combining deep technical research with societal engagement. It lays the groundwork for future breakthroughs in clean energy storage technologies.