Amor Abdelkader received his PhD degree (2011) in Materials Science and Metallurgy from the University of Cambridge supervised by Professor Derek Fray, FRS. He then moved to study self-healing materials with Professor Sybrand van der Zwaag at the Delft University of Technology. In 2012, he Joined the school of materials at the University of Manchester to work in the graphene technologies. He then moved to the National Graphene Institute to work with Professor Sir Kostya Novoselov (a Nobel laureate in physics). Amor returned to Cambridge in 2016 where he was working with Professor Andrea Ferrari at the Cambridge Graphene Centre. In 2017, Amor was appointed as an associate professor of advanced materials at Bournemouth University. He has published over 40 papers, 20 patents, and 1 book chapter. His research activities cover a broad spectrum of materials topics ranging from newly discovered nanomaterials to traditional engineering materials such as alloys and ceramics. He also has a keen interest in the carbon dioxide sequestration.

Research

Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials
The overarching theme of my research work revolves around the production, processing and applications of nanomaterials with a strong focus on the newly emerged two-dimensional (2D) materials. I study nanomaterials from their production through to their applications, in the belief that the full potential of these materials will only ever be achieved if all the steps before the final products are optimised. My research on the processing of 2D materials includes their functionalization, inks formulation, printing, and assembly into controlled architectures. My research on applications concentrates on energy storage/harvesting, wearable electronics, composites, and thermal management applications. I also have a keen interest in the electrochemical CO2 sequestration, and I am working on developing new processes for the conversion of CO2 into carbon functional materials.

Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices
In parallel with my interest in the 2D materials technology, I have a keen interest in energy storage devices. I develop new porous structures suitable for Li-ion batteries, supercapacitors and capacitive deionisation cells. Examples of my recent work and current projects include developing 3D interconnect LiFePO4, nanotubes of Li-Mn layered oxides; carbon coated silicon nanoparticles, cobalt-ferrite twin elliptical frustums, Mg-doped olivine nanofibers, zinc germinate nanosheets and bio-derivative carbon microtubes. I am also starting new research activities in Bournemouth exploring the molten metal batteries and other high-temperature batteries. My group is also working on developing novel concepts to recycle spent Li-batteries.

Publications

Outreach & engagement

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