Prof. Hermenegildo García serves as Opponent at Aalto University doctoral defence and delivers invited lecture on MXene catalysis

Prof. Hermenegildo García, leader of HG Energy at the Instituto de Tecnología Química (UPV-CSIC), recently visited Aalto University in the Helsinki metropolitan area, Finland, where he served as the official Opponent at the doctoral defence of Jiali Sheng and delivered an invited scientific lecture on advanced catalysis.

The doctoral thesis, entitled “Sub-nanometer Engineering of Transition-Metal Layered Hydroxide Electrocatalysts”, was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Olli Ikkala, with Prof. Bo Peng and Dr. Zhongpeng Lyu serving as thesis advisors.

In his role as Opponent, Prof. García was responsible for critically examining and discussing the doctoral research during the public defence, a distinguished academic responsibility within the Finnish doctoral examination system.

The thesis explores innovative strategies for engineering transition-metal layered hydroxides at the sub-nanometer scale, with particular emphasis on MXene-based interfaces and their potential to enhance electrocatalytic performance in water-splitting reactions.

During his visit, Prof. García also delivered an invited lecture entitled “MXenes as Advanced Catalysis”, bringing together researchers interested in materials science, chemistry and advanced catalytic technologies.

The lecture addressed the evolving landscape of heterogeneous catalysis, highlighting the growing importance of electro- and photocatalysis. Prof. García presented research carried out by HG Energy on MXene-based materials, their catalytic active sites and their potential applications in sustainable energy conversion.

The presentation also offered perspectives on future developments in this rapidly advancing research field.

The visit provided an exceptional opportunity for scientific exchange with highly qualified researchers in an intellectually stimulating and welcoming academic environment.

Beyond the high scientific standards of the doctoral defence and the invited lecture, the experience was particularly rewarding on both a professional and personal level, reflecting the importance of human connections in building strong international research relationships.

The visit reinforces HG Energy’s commitment to international scientific cooperation, academic excellence and the advancement of sustainable catalytic technologies.