A group of international and local researchers gathered at the University of Waterloo for the 2024 NSERC CREATE Training Program for Graduate Students in Scalable 2D-Materials Architectures.
This interdisciplinary seminar led by Dr. Michael Pope, a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, engaged 53 researchers in a collaborative program focused on leveraging 2D materials for advanced manufacturing applications.
Investment in 2D materials research holds transformative potential for an advanced, prosperous and sustainable future. The development of these materials will contribute to more efficient energy storage systems, promote the use of renewable resources, create new markets and employment opportunities, and reduce industries’ carbon emissions.
“The future of 2D materials is promising and multifaceted with potential impacts across numerous fields,” said Pope. “Societally, these advancements can enhance the quality of life through improved consumer products, optoelectronics and energy storage materials.
The training program invited industry partners to present on utilizing 2D materials in manufacturing processes. These guest speakers added a critical voice to the seminar, providing participants with important insights and real-world applications to help shape innovative research.
“What graduate students expect from a global research-intensive university renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation, is a research training experience that combines access to cutting-edge facilities with mentorship and networking in an international collaborative setting. And this is exactly what the program delivers,” says Dr. Mario Ioannidis, Chair of Waterloo’s Department of Chemical Engineering.
The collaboration between graduate students has been fruitful leading to several research breakthroughs such as improving graphene production, developing anodes for high-performance sodium-ion batteries, improving LEDs by utilizing transport layers and using 2D films for optoelectrical applications.
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