The School of Physical Sciences' Center for Solar Energy supports multiple research initiatives:
Core Initiative: Metal-Semiconductor Hybrid Nanowires Utilizing Plasmonics for Concentrating Solar Radiation.
Principle Investigator: Dean John HemmingerSurface chemistry forms the basis for research in the laboratory of Dean Hemminger. The Hemminger research group studies fundamental solar energy conversion processes relating to metal-semiconductor interactions, heterogeneous catalysis, and liquid-solid interfaces.
Key coworkers:
- James Taing
Core Initiative: Molecular Machines for Solar-Powered Photochemistry
Principle Investigator: Professor Alan F. HeydukMultielectron transfers are required for chemical reactions of importance to industry and the environment. The Heyduk research group designs and synthesizes molecules that efficiently carry out these reactions.
Key coworkers:
- Shawn Carter
Graduate Students
- Dave Shaffer
Core Initiatives: Quantum Dot Solar Cells & Developing Sustainable Materials for Solar Energy Conversion
Principle Investigator: Professor Matt LawThe Law research group focuses on developing nanomaterials for solar energy conversion and storage. The lab integrates materials synthesis and fundamental opto-electronic characterization with device fabrication, testing, modeling, and optimization.
Key coworkers:
- Professor Janice Chadwick
Assistant Specialist and Postdoctoral Researcher
- Yao Liu
- James Puthussery
Graduate Students
- Sean Seefeld
- Mark Gibbs
- Nick Berry
- Rachelle Ihly
Undergraduate Students
- Hossein Zarghami
- Derrick Diego
Core Initiative: Direct Solar Thermal-to-Electrical Energy Conversion using Thermoelectric Nanowires
Principle Investigator: Professor Reginald M. PennerResearch in the Penner research group focuses on the electrodeposition and characterization of nanowires composed of semiconductors, metals, and thermoelectrics. He will also serve as the first director of the Center.
Key coworkers:
- Yongan Yang
Graduate Students
- David Taggart
- Fan Yang
