Clean Energy Technologies

The nanoengineering of optical, thermal and interfacial properties of materials offers immense potential for advancing new methods for clean energy conversion. The rational design of these materials allows for maximizing light absorption, controlling chemical reaction pathways and improving direct energy conversion processes, thereby enabling new or more efficient processes for renewable energy production. For example, by harnessing light-mediated processes, these advanced materials can efficiently convert solar energy into usable power or fuels, through photocatalytic, thermochemical or thermomechanical means. Our general research aim in this area is to push the boundaries of these technologies, to create new material design strategies and implementations, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.