CBE Seminar: Abdoulaye (Abdul) Djire, Texas A&M University “From Impossible to Accessible: 2D MNenes for Catalysis and Energy Storage”

Content

Host: Alexandra Zagalskaya
 

Abstract: 

Synthesizing stable, ultrathin, highly conductive, and hydrophilic 2D nitride MXenes (MNenes) has long posed a significant challenge in the field of solid state chemistry, due to the complexity of atomic bonding in precursor materials. In my talk, I will present my pioneering work, flux-assisted controlled oxidation synthesis, that overcame this long-standing challenge and enabled the successful synthesis of stable and highly tunable layered MNenes. I will demonstrate how this breakthrough unlocks a new class of 2D materials once thought experimentally inaccessible and share examples of how they are now revolutionizing catalysis and energy storage. Furthermore, I will show how we uncovered the mechanism of catalysis and energy storage in these novel materials using an integrated approach of operando spectroelectrochemical techniques and advanced computational tools. Lastly, I will wrap up by showing how we strategically leveraged these new discoveries to synthesize green ammonia via lattice-nitrogen mediated (LNM) mechanism, a nontraditional chemistry that resulted in a record high Faradaic efficiency of ammonia production in aqueous media.

Bio

Dr. Djire is the Founder and President of the Djire Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, and serves as Principal Investigator of the Discovery Journey to Innovative Renewable Energy (DJIRE) Laboratory and Summer Research Program at Texas A&M University. He is also a member of the Texas PowerHouse Energy Policy Advisory Council, where his research helps inform energy policy to benefit Texans. Originally from Mali, Dr. Djire is a recognized expert in the synthesis and characterization of MXenes and is regarded as a pioneer in the development of nitride MXenes (MNenes). His impactful work has earned numerous honors including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), DOD ARO Early Career Award, DOE ARPA-E SPARKS Award, NSF CAREER Award, Sloan Research Fellowship, Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, DuPont GOLD Award, College of Engineering Dean Excellence Award, Outstanding Junior Faculty Award, and the U.S.-Africa Frontiers Fellowship, as well as recognition as a 2026 C&EN Class of Talented 12.