Polymer Energy Materials

Interfaces in Polymer Energy Materials

Our vision is to create a sustainable future by advancing the understanding and applications of interactions at the contact between materials.

Our mission is to create polymer energy materials with improved overall performance through the study and optimization of physical and chemical properties of the contact and interaction between materials.

To achieve our research goals, we apply a range of methods. We use chemical synthesis and surface modification techniques to produce inorganic mineral particles such as thermochromic VO2 particles, MnO2 electrode materials, and porous carbons, using hydrothermal synthesis and pyrolysis methods. In addition, we make polymer materials for coatings and membranes, and have spin coating, dip coating, and automated film applicator facilities. We also have an FDM 3D printer to fabricate auxetic polymer materials. Moreover, we have ultrasonic baths and probes to improve dispersion of particles in matrix fluids. In terms of characterization, we have ATR-FTIR, infrared reflectivity, ion chromatography, viscosimeter, adhesion tester in our research laboratory, and conduct X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and mechanical testing in other laboratories in Bruges or nearby. Another important method in our research is electrochemistry. We have electrosynthesis equipment, electrochemical potentiostat/galvanostat with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, coin cell battery assembly, and battery testers.

Energy storage materials

Our research group is active in the study of interfaces in energy storage and conversion materials, for example for wearable technology and mobile applications. We work on interfacial engineering of electrode / electrolyte in batteries and supercapacitors, and on membranes in hydrogen fuel cells. In terms of batteries, we are particularly interested in post-lithium batteries, currently focusing on zinc batteries. In our research group we welcome new collaborations, please contact Prof. Vandeginste if you are interested.

Representative publications: 

• Vandeginste, V., Wang, J. (2024). A review of the synthesis of biopolymer hydrogel electrolytes for improved electrode-electrolyte interfaces in zinc-ion batteries. Energies, 17, 310. doi: 10.3390/en17020310

• Wang, J., Szabo, L., Madhav, D., Ferreira, I., Vandeginste, V. (2023). Recent progress in interfacial engineering strategies for Mn-based oxide cathodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries: mechanisms, modifications, and performance enhancement. Energy Storage Materials, Art. No. 103015. doi: 10.1016/j.ensm.2023.103015

• Madhav, D., Shao, C., Mus, J., Buysschaert, F., Vandeginste, V. (2023). The effect of salty environments on the degradation behavior and mechanical properties of Nafion membranes. Energies, 16(5), Art.No. 2256. doi:10.3390/en16052256

• Vandeginste, V. (2022). A review of fabrication technologies for carbon electrode-based micro-supercapacitors. Applied Sciences, 12(2), 862. doi:10.3390/app12020862 

Energy absorption and electro-active materials

We develop wearable materials with energy absorption and electro-active properties, for example for healthcare applications. We make auxetic materials with excellent energy absorption properties. In addition, we develop electro-active shape memory polymer composites. Furthermore, we investigate piezoelectric polymer materials for drug delivery. We welcome new collaborations in the field of energy absorption and electro-active material development. Please contact Prof. Vandeginste.

Representative publications:

• Hassan, H., Hallez, H., Thielemans, W., Vandeginste, V. (2024). A review of electro-active shape memory polymer composites: Materials engineering strategies for shape memory enhancement. European Polymer Journal, 208, Art. No. 112861. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2024.11861

• Hassan, H., Vandeginste, V. (2023). 3D printed auxetic materials and structures: Deformation behavior and energy absorption performance. Proceedings of 4th International Conference on Advanced Functional Materials.

Energy efficiency materials (thermal insulation)

We investigate multifunctional coatings to improve energy efficiency in various applications. Specifically, we develop thermochromic coatings for improved thermal efficiency in buildings. Moreover, we study modified geopolymer materials for better thermal insulation properties. In our research group we welcome new collaborations, please contact Prof. Vandeginste if you are interested.

Representative publications: 

• Ji, Y., Ren, Q., Li, X., Zhao, P., Vandeginste, V. (2023). On thermal insulation properties of various foaming materials modified fly ash based geopolymers. Polymers, 15 (15), Art. No. 3254. doi: 10.3390/polym15153254

• Ren, Q., Li, X., Ji, Y., Ding, X., Sun, Q., Zhao, P., Li, F., Vandeginste, V. (2023). Thermal insulation of phenolic resin modified fly ash geopolymer. Construction and Building Materials, Art. No. 133840. doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133840

interfacial engineering Research (iR) group