The Chemical and Materials Science Center, within NREL's Materials and Chemical Science and Technology directorate, investigates materials and processes for converting sunlight into chemical and electrical energy and conducts theoretical studies and fundamental experimental research on optoelectronic materials. The center is led by Acting Director Jao van de Lagemaat.
The Center conducts its research within five groups:
Chemical and Nanoscale Science. The Chemical and Nanoscale Sciences Group helps to provide the nation with clean sources of energy by studying and developing novel and efficient ways to convert the energy in sunlight into chemical energy (such as hydrogen) and light-generated electricity.
Theoretical Materials Science. The Theoretical Materials Science Group at NREL performs state-of-the-art theoretical calculations to develop scientific bases for selecting and optimizing materials used in modern optoelectronic devices. The group also works to enhance and accelerate advances in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Photovoltaic Program and DOE Basic Energy Sciences Program.
Materials Science. The Materials Science Group's research provides a knowledge base in materials science covering fundamental issues that impact photovoltaics, electrochromic ("smart") windows, high-temperature superconductors, hydrogen storage, and solid-state batteries.
Process Technology and Advanced Concepts. The Process Technology and Advanced Concepts Groupconducts research in organic photovoltaic cells, transparent conducting oxides, combinatorial methods, and atmospheric processing. The primary work focuses on photovoltaic cell research, but also includes application to organic light-emitting diodes and thin-film-transistor displays.
Hydrogen Technology and Fuel Cells. The Materials Science Group's research provides a knowledge base in materials science covering fundamental issues that impact photovoltaics, electrochromic ("smart") windows, high-temperature superconductors, hydrogen storage, and solid-state batteries.
For staff profiles, publications, and contact information, see the Chemical and Materials Science staff page.
The Materials and Chemical Science and Technology directorate is led by Associate Laboratory Director Bill Tumas, and comprises the Chemical and Material Sciences Center and the National Center for Photovoltaics.