Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PHyS-2D-GraM (Printable Hybrid Micro-Supercapacitor Based on 2-D Inks using Graphene, TMDs and M-Xenes)
Reporting period: 2023-11-01 to 2025-10-31
The rapid growth of flexible, wearable, and portable electronic technologies - particularly in healthcare monitoring, smart textiles, and energy systems - has created an urgent need for new materials that are lightweight, mechanically flexible, efficient, and compatible with scalable manufacturing. Conventional energy-storage technologies often struggle to meet these demands, limiting the performance, comfort, and sustainability of next-generation devices.
This project addressed these challenges by focusing on two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene, MXenes, and transition-metal dichalcogenides, which offer exceptional electrical, mechanical, and surface properties. However, single-material solutions often face limitations in stability, processability, or performance. The project therefore pursued hybrid 2D nanomaterials that combine complementary materials into integrated systems with enhanced functionality.
The overall objective was to develop reproducible hybrid 2D nanomaterials, understand their fundamental properties, and translate them into printable inks suitable for flexible electronics and future energy-storage applications such as micro-supercapacitors. By targeting printable and solution-processable materials, the project supports scalable, low-waste manufacturing approaches aligned with European priorities in digitalisation, sustainability, and advanced materials.
The expected impact lies in strengthening Europe’s knowledge base in functional nanomaterials, enabling future development of flexible energy-storage solutions for wearable healthcare, smart devices, and sustainable electronics. By identifying technical bottlenecks and knowledge gaps, the project also provides strategic direction for future research and innovation investments.
The PHyS-2D-GraM project aims to develop printable hybrid micro‑supercapacitors by engineering advanced two‑dimensional MXene–TMD–Graphene nanocomposites and formulating them into versatile 2D inks for integration on flexible substrates. Specifically, it targets the controlled synthesis and fundamental characterization of these hybrid heterostructures, the preparation of solvent‑tunable nanocomposite inks, and the groundwork for flexible, printed micro‑supercapacitor architectures that can underpin next‑generation wearable energy‑storage and telehealth monitoring devices.
This project addressed these challenges by focusing on two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene, MXenes, and transition-metal dichalcogenides, which offer exceptional electrical, mechanical, and surface properties. However, single-material solutions often face limitations in stability, processability, or performance. The project therefore pursued hybrid 2D nanomaterials that combine complementary materials into integrated systems with enhanced functionality.
The overall objective was to develop reproducible hybrid 2D nanomaterials, understand their fundamental properties, and translate them into printable inks suitable for flexible electronics and future energy-storage applications such as micro-supercapacitors. By targeting printable and solution-processable materials, the project supports scalable, low-waste manufacturing approaches aligned with European priorities in digitalisation, sustainability, and advanced materials.
The expected impact lies in strengthening Europe’s knowledge base in functional nanomaterials, enabling future development of flexible energy-storage solutions for wearable healthcare, smart devices, and sustainable electronics. By identifying technical bottlenecks and knowledge gaps, the project also provides strategic direction for future research and innovation investments.
The PHyS-2D-GraM project aims to develop printable hybrid micro‑supercapacitors by engineering advanced two‑dimensional MXene–TMD–Graphene nanocomposites and formulating them into versatile 2D inks for integration on flexible substrates. Specifically, it targets the controlled synthesis and fundamental characterization of these hybrid heterostructures, the preparation of solvent‑tunable nanocomposite inks, and the groundwork for flexible, printed micro‑supercapacitor architectures that can underpin next‑generation wearable energy‑storage and telehealth monitoring devices.
The project successfully developed chemical synthesis routes for producing hybrid 2D nanomaterials that combine MXenes, graphene, and molybdenum disulfide. These materials were synthesised reproducibly as fine powders and systematically characterised to confirm their structure, composition, and stability using advanced analytical techniques.
A major technical achievement was the demonstration that these hybrid nanomaterials can be formulated into stable inks using both water-based and organic solvents. The ink preparation strategy allowed controlled adjustment of concentration and dispersion, which is essential for future printing on flexible substrates. Initial experiments were carried out to assess ink–substrate interactions, providing early insights into compatibility with flexible surfaces.
The project also achieved significant progress in understanding the structural, chemical, and optical properties of the hybrid materials, establishing a solid scientific foundation for their integration into functional devices. Although full device fabrication was not completed within the project timeframe, the work delivered validated materials, ink formulations, and substrate compatibility knowledge that enable continuation toward printed energy-storage devices.
In addition to the scientific work, the project placed strong emphasis on open science and responsible research practices, with research data and methods managed according to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
The PHyS-2D-GraM project advanced through structured work packages (WPs), focusing on synthesis, characterization, ink formulation, device fabrication, and non-research training objectives.
WP1: Synthesis of Hybrid 2D Nanocomposites and Inks
High-quality 2D MXene-Graphene-TMD nanocomposites, including few-layered Ti3C2Tx, Ti3C2Tx-MoS2 heterostructures, Ti3C2Tx-Graphene, and Ti3C2Tx-Graphene-MoS2 double heterostructures, were synthesized via one-pot chemical methods with reproducible high yields. Versatile organic and aqueous inks were formulated using a solvent-transfer strategy, enabling tunable concentrations across solvents like NMP, isopropanol, DMF, water, and ethanol.
WP2: Structural, Electrical, and Rheological Studies
Comprehensive characterization confirmed structural integrity via XRD, SEM-EDX, Raman, XPS, UV-Vis-NIR, and photoluminescence, revealing metallic MXene behavior, MoS2 excitonic features, and interfacial coupling in heterostructures. These validated compositional uniformity and optoelectronic properties, though full rheological optimization remains partly achieved.
WP3: Fabrication of Printable Micro-Supercapacitors
Not initiated due to time constraints; preliminary substrate wettability tests with inks identified challenges in multilayer adhesion and porosity control.
WP4: Project Management
FAIR data principles were fully integrated, enhancing scope management, SOPs, risk assessment, and procurement for efficient project delivery.
WP5: Training and Career Development
Leadership skills advanced through UCC Postdoc Hub programs (e.g. project management, entrepreneurship) and initiatives like SPRINT Accelerator for telehealth wearable prototypes.
WP6: Dissemination and Exploitation
Results disseminated via Graphene Week presentations, Cork Science Festival outreach, and planned high-impact publications; exploitation targets TRL 3-4 via open datasets and industry prototypes.
A major technical achievement was the demonstration that these hybrid nanomaterials can be formulated into stable inks using both water-based and organic solvents. The ink preparation strategy allowed controlled adjustment of concentration and dispersion, which is essential for future printing on flexible substrates. Initial experiments were carried out to assess ink–substrate interactions, providing early insights into compatibility with flexible surfaces.
The project also achieved significant progress in understanding the structural, chemical, and optical properties of the hybrid materials, establishing a solid scientific foundation for their integration into functional devices. Although full device fabrication was not completed within the project timeframe, the work delivered validated materials, ink formulations, and substrate compatibility knowledge that enable continuation toward printed energy-storage devices.
In addition to the scientific work, the project placed strong emphasis on open science and responsible research practices, with research data and methods managed according to FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable).
The PHyS-2D-GraM project advanced through structured work packages (WPs), focusing on synthesis, characterization, ink formulation, device fabrication, and non-research training objectives.
WP1: Synthesis of Hybrid 2D Nanocomposites and Inks
High-quality 2D MXene-Graphene-TMD nanocomposites, including few-layered Ti3C2Tx, Ti3C2Tx-MoS2 heterostructures, Ti3C2Tx-Graphene, and Ti3C2Tx-Graphene-MoS2 double heterostructures, were synthesized via one-pot chemical methods with reproducible high yields. Versatile organic and aqueous inks were formulated using a solvent-transfer strategy, enabling tunable concentrations across solvents like NMP, isopropanol, DMF, water, and ethanol.
WP2: Structural, Electrical, and Rheological Studies
Comprehensive characterization confirmed structural integrity via XRD, SEM-EDX, Raman, XPS, UV-Vis-NIR, and photoluminescence, revealing metallic MXene behavior, MoS2 excitonic features, and interfacial coupling in heterostructures. These validated compositional uniformity and optoelectronic properties, though full rheological optimization remains partly achieved.
WP3: Fabrication of Printable Micro-Supercapacitors
Not initiated due to time constraints; preliminary substrate wettability tests with inks identified challenges in multilayer adhesion and porosity control.
WP4: Project Management
FAIR data principles were fully integrated, enhancing scope management, SOPs, risk assessment, and procurement for efficient project delivery.
WP5: Training and Career Development
Leadership skills advanced through UCC Postdoc Hub programs (e.g. project management, entrepreneurship) and initiatives like SPRINT Accelerator for telehealth wearable prototypes.
WP6: Dissemination and Exploitation
Results disseminated via Graphene Week presentations, Cork Science Festival outreach, and planned high-impact publications; exploitation targets TRL 3-4 via open datasets and industry prototypes.
The project advances the state of the art by demonstrating integrated hybrid 2D nanomaterial systems that combine multiple functionalities within a single printable material platform. Compared to conventional single-material approaches, the hybrid structures offer improved versatility and tunability, particularly for applications requiring flexibility and scalable processing.
Key results include reproducible synthesis of hybrid 2D nanomaterials, validated ink formulations compatible with flexible substrates, and identification of critical scientific and engineering challenges that currently limit printed energy-storage devices. These challenges include interfacial stability, ink rheology, multilayer adhesion, and controlled printing of complex architectures.
For further uptake and successful exploitation, additional research and demonstration activities are required, including electrical characterisation, device-level testing, access to specialised printing infrastructure, and engagement with industrial partners. Support for scale-up, standardisation, and potential intellectual property protection will be important to translate these results into commercial or pre-commercial applications.
Overall, the project provides a strong foundation for future development of flexible and printed energy-storage technologies, supporting Europe’s competitiveness in advanced materials and wearable electronics.
Key results include reproducible synthesis of hybrid 2D nanomaterials, validated ink formulations compatible with flexible substrates, and identification of critical scientific and engineering challenges that currently limit printed energy-storage devices. These challenges include interfacial stability, ink rheology, multilayer adhesion, and controlled printing of complex architectures.
For further uptake and successful exploitation, additional research and demonstration activities are required, including electrical characterisation, device-level testing, access to specialised printing infrastructure, and engagement with industrial partners. Support for scale-up, standardisation, and potential intellectual property protection will be important to translate these results into commercial or pre-commercial applications.
Overall, the project provides a strong foundation for future development of flexible and printed energy-storage technologies, supporting Europe’s competitiveness in advanced materials and wearable electronics.