Jensen Group − Nanomaterial Structure

The research in our group concerns energy materials, i.e., inorganic materials with applications in energy storage and conversion.

Research focus

Materials Chemistry on the Nanoscale

We synthesize and characterize the structure of solid-state nanomaterials with the aim of understanding the relation between synthesis method, atomic structure, and material properties. By gaining knowledge of this relation, improved materials can be obtained by ’designing’ the atomic struc-ture for specific applications.

Our primary tool for structural studies is high energy X-ray scattering, and many of our experiments therefore take place at synchrotron facilities around the world, where we use intense X-rays to obtain scattering data. We are especially interested in developing materials for electrocatalysis, and are part of the Center For High Entropy Alloy Catalysis.

Group leader

Research areas

X-ray and neutron scattering for nanomaterial characterization

The development of materials for sustainable energy such as catalysis, solar cels and batteries builds on an understanding of the intricate relation between material structure and properties. Only by knowing the atomic arrangement can the mechanisms responsible for material properties be elucidated and new materials developed.

We use X-ray and neutron scattering to study the atomic structure of materials. By combining traditional crystallographic methods with new total scattering techniques, we are able to elucidate the structures even in ultrasmall nanoparticles, where the atomic arrangement differ significantly from the bulk. In addition to using X-ray and neutron scattering techniques for studying the atomic structure of materials, we also actively engage in the development of advanced methods for analyzing X-ray scattering data.

Nanomaterials for energy

Nanomaterials play a large role in the development of new technologies for energy storage and conservation, e..g, batteries and catalysis. In other fields, such as sensors, ‘smart’ windows and new electronics, nanomaterials are known to be equally important.  The properties of materials are highly dependent on both the atomic arrangement and the nanostructure of the material, and it is therefore crucial to be able to precisely control particle characteristics during synthesis.

We combine methods in nanomaterial synthesis with traditional solid state chemistry to form nanomaterials with tailormade characteristics and properties. We are particularly interested in ultrasmall nanoparticles and clusters with dimensions below 5 nm, where the atomic structure and material properties are fundamentally different from bulk.

Understanding the formation of nanoparticles – watching materials form with X-rays

X-ray total scattering allows strutural information to be obtained from both amorphous and crystalline samples; liquids as well as solids. By using X-ray total scattering in situ during nanoaparticle formation i.e. by taking X-ray data while the synthesis takes place, we are able to follow the structural transformation that takes place as the atoms arrange to form ordered nanoparticles. This gives us new insight into reaction mechanisms, taking us one step closer to ‘materials by design’.

Projects

The projects available in my group range from nanoparticle synthesis in the lab, X-ray data measurements in our lab or at synchrotrons, as well as data analysis, where we develop atomic models for nanomaterials.

At the moment, we are primarily interested in materials with applications in electrocatalysis, and we also do experiments characterizing the catalytic properties of materials. As a student in my group, you would be able to work on projects covering all these activities, or focus on nanoparticle synthesis or advanced data analysis/modelling.

Collaborations

Other groups in CHEAC:

Other collaborators include synchrotron facilities and materials chemistry researchers in Denmark and Europe.
 

Contact

Kirsten Marie Ørnsbjerg Jensen
Professor