National and global energy usage is projected to double by 2050, intensifying demands for highly efficient, clean energy sources and improved diversification. At its most fundamental level, transforming the energy field relies on chemistry. In our department, energy research bridges many faculty members across multiple divisions, including analytical, physical, and inorganic/materials chemistry.
Synthetic groups are creating new materials spanning the range of alternative energy, from next-generation solar cells and hydrogen storage, to CO2 capture and sequestration, and nanomaterials for batteries and fuel cells.
Theoretical and computational research groups model and predict the interactions between molecules and materials, including fundamental studies on methane hydrates, nanoscale charge transport, and prediction of optimal materials for solar cells.