Whether the focus is sustainable energy generation, conversion, or storage, including electrical energy generation via solar and other renewable sources, or how to transfer and store energy between its generation and use, materials science and engineering play a key role. Our research includes the selection, design, and manufacturing of advanced materials for these energy applications, such as organic and inorganic photovoltaics, and energy conversion and storage in batteries, fuel cells, and capacitors. We also evaluate and develop processes and materials for the safe disposal of energy materials (e.g., nuclear fuels, lithium, rare earth) and their circular economy.
Faculty
Ph.D., 2017, University of California, Santa Barbara
Research Interests: Energy Storage Materials, Lithium-ion Batteries, Structure-Property Relationships, X-ray Diffraction, Pair Distribution Function Analysis
Lab Website: Butala Research Group
Ph.D., 2000, Washington University in St. Louis
Research interests: Computational materials science, ab-initio methods, structure prediction algorithms, two-dimensional materials, materials for energy technologies, solid-liquid interfaces
Lab Website: Hennig Materials Theory Lab
Ph. D., 1987, University of California, Berkeley
Research Interests: Semiconductor Processing and electron microscopy characterization; Ion implantation of Si, Ge and compound semiconductors; Li ion battery anode and cathode development
Lab Website: Swamp Group
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Dr.…
Ph. D., 2002, The Pennsylvania State University
Research Interests: Multifunctional ceramics; energy materials; dielectrics and ionic conductors in bulk and thin film; single crystal growth; nuclear materials and detectors; bioceramics
Lab Website: Nino Research Group (NRG)
Ph.D., 1993, University of Paris, XI
Research Interests: Radiochemistry, Nuclear Wastes, Nuclear Forensics, Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Environmental Behavior of Radionuclides
Lab Website: Wall Research
Ph. D., 2005, Princeton University
Research Interests: Nanostructured electronic materials, organic-inorganic hybrid materials, surfaces and interfaces, energy materials, photovoltaic cells, light-emitting diodes and other optoelectronic devices
Lab Website: Xue Research Group