(603a) Graphene-Bacteria Interfaces, Porous Liquids and Functionalized 2D Materials for Enhanced Energy Applications

Advancements in material science are driving the next generation of energy devices, leveraging novel techniques to improve efficiency and functionality. This presentation will outline material interfaces and functional groups for energy systems. The talk will start with discussion on the interface between Geobacter sulfurreducens membranes and graphene, where the former induces quantum-capacitance n-doping in reduced graphene oxide (rGO), enhancing electron shuttling. We show that the quantum coupling of rGO with protein-membrane channels increases electron density (3.91 × 10¹² cm⁻²) and raises rGO's in-plane phonon vibration energies by ~5 cm⁻¹. This n-doping boosts electron transfer from the cell membrane to rGO, achieving a net driving potential of 158 meV and a 3-fold power density increase. The second part of the talk will introduce Porous Liquid (PL) as a transformative component for liquid electrolytes in lithium-based batteries. PL's inherent permanent porosity facilitates efficient Li+ ion coordination and transport, significantly boosting electrolyte conductivity. This improvement stems from the unique solvation and transport mechanisms within PL, enhancing the overall performance and ionic conductivity of lithium batteries. The final part of the talk will show a novel organometallic functionalization of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) using chromium carbonyl vapor. This process establishes η6 bonding, maintaining the lattice's structural integrity while enabling multifunctional coatings. Computational analysis confirms a spontaneous surface reaction (ΔG = -35.50 kcal/mol), facilitating silver nanoparticle growth on h-BN. This functionalization approach leverages h-BN's exceptional thermal and structural properties, opening new avenues for its application in diverse fields requiring robust, conductive, and multifunctional coatings.