Dr Alexander Khort comes from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm. His research focuses on developing new methods for producing smart nanomaterials, investigating their properties, and possible applications, and studying degradation behaviour. At KTH, the post-doc is a long-standing member of a team working on surface and corrosion science. He has already contributed to numerous publications.

"We hope that the collaboration with Professor Barg will provide us with expert input for our work with MXenes," says Alexander Khort. MXenes are a new type of functional 2D materials. The aim of the experiments in Augsburg is to modify and combine the two-dimensional MXenes into more complex structures. “We then aim to study functional properties of these composites and also find out how they interact with the environment," the materials researcher continues. Among other things, the expected results could provide information on the assembly and functionality of MXene-based composites for potential applications in such areas as catalysis, semiconductor sensors, and additive manufacturing. Furthermore, the researchers aim to investigate the effects that such complex nanostructures have on the environment. This could be important for the design of future EU directives on the handling of nanomaterials.

Dr Khort's research stay at the University of Augsburg is funded by the Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers.