Stijn Mertens

Professor Stijn Mertens serves as Professor in Physical Electrochemistry within the Department of Chemistry at Lancaster University, focusing on electrochemical interfaces and nanomaterial applications. His work bridges fundamental surface science with practical energy storage and medical diagnostic solutions.

His research centers on 2D material modification (graphene, boron nitride) for energy storage systems and neurodegenerative disease detection. Key interests include molecular adsorption phenomena, electrode surface engineering, and ultrasensitive biosensor development for dopamine/polyphenol analysis, leveraging electrochemical principles to address battery degradation and neurological health challenges.

Recent 2025 publications reveal a strong trend toward two-dimensional material functionalization for advanced electrochemical applications, particularly in molecular electronics fabrication and porphyrin-boron nitride interactions that enable novel sensing platforms.

Professor Mertens leads significant funded projects including:

• Covalent graphene modification for neurodegenerative disease detection (2025-2028)
• MSI: Next Generation Na-ion Batteries (2019-2023)
• Boron nitride nanomesh for actuated self-assembly (2019-2023)

He actively contributes to Lancaster's Electrochemical and Surfaces Research Group within Energy Lancaster's Energy Storage initiative and the Physical and Analytical Chemistry division, driving collaborative work on sustainable energy technologies.