Taking part in the SURFCAT Summer School held in Denmark this year has been a highly rewarding experience and attendance was made possible by funding provided from the Solar Chemicals Network. As a first year PhD student, it was a great way to network with fellow researchers and form potential new international collaborations. I was able to present my preliminary research on intercalated MnO2 nanosheet electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction through a flash presentation and poster. The feedback I received from various audiences was invaluable; I now have a more concrete research plan based on suggestions I received at the poster session, as well as more of an idea on the relevant experiments that could be conducted to support my current hypotheses. Specifically, my understanding of intercalation processes has greatly improved after discussions with both beamline scientists and battery researchers. Overall, the summer school was an almost magical experience; brilliant science, excellent food and great venue by the sea. Even the Northern lights and bioluminescent algae decided to make an appearance!
Solar Chemicals Network