Research

Overview | Energy Systems | Solar Fuel Generation | Structures

We are currently pursuing a wide-ranging research portfolio including analysis of large scale energy system decarbonization, fundamental science for solar-driven electrochemical fuel generation, 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.

Macro Energy Systems

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.

Solar-Driven Electrochemical Fuel Generation

We are developing semiconductor photoelectrodes for the solar-driven electrochemical generation of fuels (e.g. hydrogen).3,4

We are investigating new materials that can be integrated with semiconductors to improve durability towards photoelectrochemical operation to enable long-term stable fuel-forming devices. 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

  1. Dowling, J. A. et al. Role of Long-Duration Energy Storage in Variable Renewable Electricity Systems. Joule, 2020, 4, 1907-1928.
  2. 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.
  3. Hu, S. et al. Amorphous TiO2 Coatings Stabilize Si, GaAs, and GaP Photoanodes for Efficent Water Oxidation. Science, 2014, 344, 1005.
  4. 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.
  5. Meier, M. C. et al. Inorganic Phototropism in Electrodeposition of Se-Te. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2019, 141, 18658.
  6. Hamann, K. R. et al. Plastic Morphological Response to Spectral Shifts During Inorganic Phototropic Growth JACS Au, 2022, 2, 865.