Overview | Energy Systems Modeling | Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversion | Phototropic Growth
We are currently pursuing a wide-ranging research portfolio including analysis of large scale energy system decarbonization, fundamental science for photoelectrochemical energy conversion systems, and new methodology for template-free programmable assembly of ordered nanostructures. Our research spans from the km to nm length scales and is highly interdisciplinary.
Energy Systems Modeling
Costs of different technologies are dominated by different factors
We conduct analyses using macro energy systems modeling to help guide energy sector decarbonization efforts despite deep uncertainty in future resource availability, technology costs, and public policy.1,2 Our work, rooted in geophysical analysis, provides strategic insights in designing cost-effective, reliable electricity systems for a sustainable future.
Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversion
We are developing semiconductor photoelectrodes that utilize sunlight to drive fuel-forming chemical transformations (e.g. water electrolysis to produce hydrogen) to store solar energy in chemical bonds solar-driven electrochemical generation of fuels.3,4
Currently, we are focused on exploring materials that can be integrated with semiconductors to improve long-term performance under hydrogen-evolving and oxygen-evolving conditions. We are also working on the integration of heterogenous electrocatalyst materials into such assemblies.
Inorganic Phototropic Growth
We are mimicking the natural the phototropic growth of plants to generate highly ordered mesostructures in a rapid and scalable manner without the use of any lithography.5,6
References
- Dowling, J. A. et al. Role of Long-Duration Energy Storage in Variable Renewable Electricity Systems. Joule, 2020, 4, 1907-1928.
- Kennedy, K. M. et al. The Role of Concentrated Solar Power with Thermal Energy Storage in Least-Cost Highly Reliable Electricity Systems Fully Powered by Variable Renewable Energy. Advances in Applied Energy, 2022, 6, 100091.
- Hu, S. et al. Amorphous TiO2 Coatings Stabilize Si, GaAs, and GaP Photoanodes for Efficent Water Oxidation. Science, 2014, 344, 1005.
- Yu, W. et al. Investigations of the stability of etched or platinized p-InP(100) photocathodes for solar-driven hydrogen evolution in acidic or alkaline aqueous electrolytes. Energy & Environmental Science, 2021, 14, 6007.
- Meier, M. C. et al. Inorganic Phototropism in Electrodeposition of Se-Te. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2019, 141, 18658.
- Hamann, K. R. et al. Plastic Morphological Response to Spectral Shifts During Inorganic Phototropic Growth JACS Au, 2022, 2, 865.