Interview with Prof. Guanjie He: Innovations in Energy Storage and Carbon Material Applications
On April 24, 2024, Energy Materials (EM) had the pleasure of interviewing Editorial Board Member Prof. Guanjie He, Associate Professor of Materials Chemistry and Engineering at University College London (UCL), UK. His recent manuscript, "An Intellectual Property Analysis: Advances and Commercialization of Low-Dimensional Carbon Materials in Batteries", has been accepted for publication in EM. In addition, the Special Issue he guest-edited, "Aqueous Batteries: Materials, Mechanisms, and Applications", is nearing completion, showcasing his expertise in energy materials research.
In the conversation, Prof. He discussed his research focus, the challenges of commercializing low-dimensional carbon materials for batteries, and the current state and future of aqueous batteries. He pinpointed scalability and manufacturing costs as significant hurdles in material commercialization, advocating for innovative production techniques and the development of hybrid materials. He also noted promising advancements in aqueous batteries, emphasizing the need for materials that improve stability and energy density while supporting environmental sustainability.
Regarding the EM journal, Prof. He suggested broadening its scope to cover more emerging technologies and strengthening engagement with the scientific community through improved peer review processes and outreach initiatives. On the topic of scientific motivation, he shared that his research is driven by a desire to solve complex societal problems and contribute meaningfully to scientific knowledge and human well-being.
Watch the following video for expert insights from Prof. Guanjie He:
Interview Questions:
1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and the main areas of research currently pursued by your research group?
2. Your submission to Energy Materials, "An Intellectual Property Analysis: Advances and Commercialization of Low-Dimensional Carbon Materials in Batteries", was recently accepted. In your opinion, what are the main technical challenges in the development and commercialization of low-dimensional carbon materials, and what potential solutions or alternative approaches do you foresee?
3. The Special Issue you organized for EM on the topic of "Aqueous Batteries: Materials, Mechanisms, and Applications" is nearing its submission deadline. How do you view the current state of research and future trends in aqueous batteries?
4. As a Guest Editor and author for EM, what suggestions do you have for the journal? In which areas or directions could EM expand or improve to better serve the field of energy materials?
5. What do you consider the main motivation for scientific research? Could you share your thoughts based on your own experiences?
About the Interviewee:
Prof. Guanjie He is an Associate Professor of Materials Chemistry and Engineering at University College London (UCL), UK. He is a recipient of the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant. He is also an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM). His research primarily focuses on aqueous batteries, electrocatalytic materials and devices, advanced characterization, and simulation.
Editor: Jenna Wen
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Energy Materials
