Energy Materials Interfaces group website!

Our research aims to develop greater understanding of reactions occurring at material interfaces that underpin many sustainable technologies. We pioneer new interface-sensitive characterisation techniques to reveal the processes involved in the synthesis and operation of materials in areas including electrochemical energy storage (Li-ion batteries), heterogeneous catalysis, 2D material growth and electronic devices.

The Energy Material Interfaces group is led by Dr Robert Weatherup and based in the Rex Richards building within the Department of Materials at the University of Oxford. The group started at Oxford in October 2019 and currently consists of six postdoctoral research associates, nine DPhil students, and two MEng students. We make extensive use of experimental facilities at the nearby Harwell campus, including the Research Complex at Harwell, collaborating closely with scientists at Diamond Light Source and the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.

Areas of particular interest include 2D materials synthesis and processing, the development of X-ray and electron transparent membranes, and adapting soft X-ray spectroscopies (XAS, XPS) for the study of solid-gas, solid-liquid, and solid-solid interfaces. We continue to develop new experimental methodologies to enhance our understanding of buried interfaces under operating conditions. We are always happy to discuss our research and undertake collaborative studies with academic or industrial partners.