Research Programs in the United States

CINEMA Areas of Research (aka Departments)

1. Interfaces
2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials
3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes)
4. Scalability and processing of materials
5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions
6. Integration of length scales in materials
7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials
8. Thermal transport

9. Hybrid nano-materials
10. Optoelectronic properties
11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication
12. Theory and simulation of phenomena
13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion
14. Materials and devices for thermal energy conversion
15. Materials and devices for electrical energy storage
16. Materials and devices for solar fuel production and utilization

Note: Use the filters below to identify Departments which here means Areas of Research and Partner Institutes/Colleges

Department

CINEMA Research Colleges/Centers

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Colorado School of Mines

Reuben T. Collins

Physics Department

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion

General Area(s) of Research: General Next Generation Photovoltaics, Fabrication and properties of quantum confined nanostructures, Novel light emitting materials and devices, Silicon compatible optoelectronics and plasmonics Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Hot carrier charge dynamics in amorphous/silicon nanoparticle hybrids for use in next generation photovoltaics, Development of amorphous and crystalline Si(Se,S)2 absorbers for silicon-based multijunction solar cells, Amorphous/nanoparticle hybrids for solar water splitting, Tuning metal oxide work function...

Brian Gorman

Metallurgical Engineering

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion • 14. Materials and devices for thermal energy conversion • 15. Materials and devices for electrical energy storage • 16. Materials and devices for solar fuel production and utilization

General Area(s) of Research: Atomic scale characterization of inorganic photovoltaics and ceramics Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Atom Probe analysis of semiconductor nanoparticles and / or doping in CdTe photovoltaic.

Andrew M. Herring

Chem. & Biological Eng.

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes)

General Area(s) of Research: Electrochemical Energy Conversion Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Photo-electrochemical water splitting. Novel catalysis for direct fueled fuel cells.

Carolyn A. Koh

Chem. & Biological Eng.

3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 8. Thermal transport • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Renewable nano-materials for gas storage and photovoltaics from experiment, theory, and computer simulation Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Synthesis and multi-scale characterization of group IV clathrate materials for gas storage and photovoltaic applications, Molecular-level simulations of the mechanisms for nucleation and growth of novel group IV clathrate materials, and electronic structure calculations for their photovoltaic applications.

Mark T. Lusk

Physics Department

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Computational quantum transport through nanostructured assemblies Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Quantum transport through quantum dot assemblies, Multiple-exciton generation in silicon nanowires, Combined molecular dynamics, electronic structure investigation of quantum transport in high performance organic crystals.

C. Mark Maupin

Chem. & Biological Eng.

Ryan O'Hayre

Materials Science

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion • 14. Materials and devices for thermal energy conversion • 15. Materials and devices for electrical energy storage • 16. Materials and devices for solar fuel production and utilization

* currently not accepting new CINEMA fellows General Area(s) of Research: Materials for Energy, Fuel Cells, Catalysts, Electrochemistry, H2 production, Ion Conductors, Transparent Conductive Oxides Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Redox Oxide Catalysts for Solar Thermochemical H2 Production, Chemically-modified Nanocarbon Catalysts for Fuel Cells, Low-Cost, Intermediate-Temperature, Fuel-Flexible Protonic-Ceramic Fuel Cell.

Corinn Packard

Metallurgical Engineering

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion • 14. Materials and devices for thermal energy conversion

General Area(s) of Research: Mechanical Behavior of Ceramics on the Micro & Nanoscale Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants : Synthesis and characterization efforts for producing rare earth orthophosphate ceramics that exhibit tunable phase transformation pressures by controlling the material chemistry and understanding the nanomechanical phenomena that drive transformation.

Alan Sellinger

Chemistry & Geochemistry

1. Interfaces • 7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion

General Area(s) of Research: Synthesis of organic/polymeric/hybrid semiconductors for application in OLEDs, OPVs, OFETs, radiation scintillation. Electrode workfunction modification. Hybrid silicon quantum dots (SiQDs). Low band gap dyes for ternary OPVs, low reorganization energy absorbers and charge transporting Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Synthesis of organic/polymeric/hybrid semiconductors for application in OLEDs, OPVs, OFETs, radiation scintillation. Electrode workfunction modification. Hybrid silicon quantum dots (SiQDs). Low band gap dyes for...

Vladan Stevanovic

Department of Physics

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 8. Thermal transport • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion • 14. Materials and devices for thermal energy conversion • 16. Materials and devices for solar fuel production and utilization

General Area(s) of Research: Computational Solid State Physics and Materials Science with application in Materials for Renewable Energy including photovoltaic, thermoelectric and materials to photo-electrochemical water splitting Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Development of computational methods targeted at discovering/designing functional metastable materials. Design of novel PV and thermoelectric materials. Modeling electronic structure at solid/liquid interfaces for photo-electrochemical hydrogen production.

Eric Toberer

Physics Department

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials • 8. Thermal transport • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Photovoltaic and thermoelectric materials, with a focus on novel semiconductor development through a combination of experiment and theory Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Synthesis and electronic/optical characterization of novel semiconductors for thermoelectric and photovoltaic applications. Development of phase change materials for thermal energy storage for dispatchable renewable applications.

Kim Williams

Chemistry

1. Interfaces • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 9. Hybrid nano-materials

General Area(s) of Research: Nanomaterials and macromolecular separations and characterization including silicon quantum dots for PV Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Develop methods to isolate carbohydrate and lipids produced by micro-algae, understand role of stress conditions and genetic manipulations on amount and type of biofuels feedstock; Fundamental interfacial studies of the effect of naturally occurring nano-additives (alumina and alumina silicates) on emulsion stability, droplet size distribution, and emulsion...

Colin Wolden

Chem. & Biological Eng.

1. Interfaces • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

General Area(s) of Research: Nanostructured Thin Films for Sustainable Energy Applications Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Band gap engineering and extrinsic doping of CdTe solar cells, membrane reactors for energy efficient synthesis and decomposition of ammonia, synthesis of alkali sulfide nanomaterials for beyond Li battery technology.

Colorado State University

R. Mark Bradley

Physics Department

11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Theory of nanoscale self-assembly induced by ion bombardment of solid surfaces Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Development of models for nanoscale pattern formation induced by ion bombardment of solid surfaces. Numerical integration and/or analytical solution of the resulting equations of motion. Evaluation of proposed methods of reducing or eliminating defects from the patterns.

Carmen S. Menoni

Elect. & Comp. Engineering

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 8. Thermal transport

* currently not accepting new CINEMA fellows General Area(s) of Research: Ion beam sputtering of dielectric films growth and their characterization Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Growth of amorphous dielectric films by ion beam sputtering, Characterization of interfaces, Study of intrinsic defects and their dynamic upon intense illumination.

James R. Neilson

Chemistry

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion

General Area(s) of Research: Solid-state and materials chemistry Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Synthesis, discovery, and characterization of new strongly correlated electronic materials, magnets, and superconductors for energy applications. This could involve preparatory chemistry work, structural characterization, characterization of physical properties, and/or density functional theory calculations of the electronic structure and properties, as preferred by the visiting scientist.

Amy Lucia Prieto

Chemistry

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials

General Area(s) of Research: Synthesis of nanostructured materials for batteries, solar cells, and hydrogen storage Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: The development of new synthetic methods for nanostructured materials, as well as with training in electrochemistry.

James Sites

Physics Department

3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials

General Area(s) of Research: Thin-Film Photovoltaics Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Please refer to Professor's website .

Jose de la Venta

Physics Department

1. Interfaces • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

General Area(s) of Research: Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, Magnetism Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Control of Magnetism in hybrid systems: fabrication and characterization of heterostructures (thin films) of ferromagnetic metals and materials which undergo a metal to insulator transition (V oxides, Ti oxides, Fe oxides and other). We are interested in studying the changes in the properties of ferromagnetic layers in proximity to the oxides undergoing the...

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tonio Buonassisi

Photovoltaic Research Lab

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Solar energy, synchrotron research Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Streamlined manufacturing processes for solar cell materials, devices, modules, and systems, o Synchrotron-based investigations of solar cell materials (both silicon and thin films) and carrier-selective contact layers, using XAS, nano-XRF, nano-XRD, and more o Multijunction high-efficiency solar cells.

Ju Li

Nuclear Science Eng.

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

* currently not accepting new CINEMA fellows General Area(s) of Research: Energy nanotechnology Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Please refer to Professor's website.

Seth Lloyd

Mechanical Engineering

7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials • 8. Thermal transport • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Quantum effects in energy transport Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: All of the above projects are suitable for postdoctoral fellows. Given a background in quantum mechanics, postdoctoral fellows can contribute to any or all of our quantum transport efforts.

Bradley Olsen

Chemical Engineering

3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Soft matter physics and polymer science Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Prospective CINEMA fellows with interests in soft materials self-assembly related to energy and nanotechnology applications or with interests in the development of new sustainable polymeric materials from biomass are encouraged to contact Prof. Olsen to discuss their research interests and potential synergy with ongoing research efforts in the group.

Michael Strano

Chemical Engineering

8. Thermal transport • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

General Area(s) of Research: Chemical Engineering Nanotechnology Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: The study and application of thermopower waves to problems of energy generation, including fuel cells and portable power systems. Transparent near infrared photovoltaic cells from carbon nanomaterials. Transparent near infrared photovoltaic cells from carbon nanomaterials. Phase change materials from phase equilibria in nanoconfined systems. Molecular transport and separation through 2D membrane systems. Plant Nanobionics - generating...

Brian L. Wardle

Aeronautics & Astronautics

1. Interfaces • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 8. Thermal transport • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

*currently not accepting new CINEMA fellows General Area(s) of Research: Materials and structures for Aerospace applications. More elaborately, research interests are in the areas of nano-engineered advanced composites, bulk nanostructured materials, carbon-based material synthesis, traditional composites, power-MEMS devices (fuel cells and vibrational energy harvesters), and other structure and materials topics. Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: 1)Development of auto-sensing nanoengineered composites and NEMS - smart multi-functional composite that will...

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Kirstin Alberi

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Semiconductor epitaxy Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Potential projects range from the growth and development of metastable semiconductor alloys and III-V/II-VI heterostructures, scanning probe microscopy of novel semiconductors, and theoretical modeling of growth surfaces.

Chunmei Ban

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

* currently not accepting new CINEMA fellows General Area(s) of Research: Materials science and electrochemistry with the application in electrochemical energy storage Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: 1) Development of high-energy-density materials for electrochemical energy storage systems, including lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries and beyond Li-ion technologies. 2) Research on interfacial chemistry on electrode materials towards improving the stability and reversibility of energy materials.

Matthew C. Beard

Chemical & Mat. Science

3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

General Area(s) of Research: Quantum Dots for enhancing the solar energy conversion efficiency Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Carrier and exciton dynamics in novel semiconductor nanostructures and their assemblies, Transport phenomenon in coupled quantum dot films, QD Solar cell fabrication.

Joseph J. Berry

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties

* currently not accepting new CINEMA fellows General Area(s) of Research: Semiconductor material development, characterization and device integration with an emphasis on charge transport at heterostructures and interface Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Examination of contact strategies and novel device architectures for a range of cutting edge / next generation photoconversion materials (e.g. OPV, thin film III-V, QD or perovskite active-layers), examination of fundamental aspects of solution processing...

Jeff Blackburn

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties

General Area(s) of Research: Nanocrystals for solar photoconversion, organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite absorbers Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: This project entails the production and characterization of novel thin-film photovoltaic devices based on single-walled carbon nanotube absorber layers. The project will require the preparation of SWCNT dispersions based on highly enriched semiconducting SWCNTs, deposition of PV devices based on bilayers with C60 and other device architectures, analysis of photovoltaic...

Wade Braunecker

5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion • 15. Materials and devices for electrical energy storage

General Area(s) of Research: Synthesis of organic/polymeric semiconductors and nanostructured materials for applications in batteries and solar cells. Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Synthesis and optoelectronic characterization of new organic materials for photovoltaic applications. Application of living polymerization techniques to synthesize nanostructured phase-segregated materials. Synthesis and application of covalent organic frameworks for battery and photovoltaic applications.

Andrew J. Ferguson

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 8. Thermal transport • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties

General Area(s) of Research: Novel carbon-based materials, conversion phenomena and device architectures for solar photoconversion. Electrical and thermal transport in carbon-based semiconductor materials. Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: 1) We have recently developed a technique for measuring the in-plane electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as the Seebeck coefficient, in thin film materials. We are currently using this technique to probe the thermoelectric performance of neat films and...

David S. Ginley

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 8. Thermal transport • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties

General Area(s) of Research: Nanomaterials for Solar Energy Conversion, Water Splitting, Thermoelectrics and Energy Storage Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Development of new high ZT thermoelectric materials for solar energy conversion and energy efficiency. Project will combine computational studies, materials synthesis and characterization at NREL and SLAC. New hybrid materials for water splitting. We have begun to develop a theoretic framework for water splitting and want to explore...

Stephan Lany

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion • 14. Materials and devices for thermal energy conversion

General Area(s) of Research: Semiconductors and energy materials, electronic structure calculations, doping, defects and alloys, optoelectronic properties, materials by design Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Electronic structure of photovoltaic and thermoelectric materials, high-throughput calculations for band gaps and absorption spectra, defect and alloy studies.

Joseph M. Luther

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

General Area(s) of Research: Nanocrystals for solar photoconversion, organic-inorganic metal halide perovskite absorbers Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: QD solar cells for multiple exciton generation, QD-ink based CdTe solar cells, Tandem junction solution processed solar cells, perovskite solar cells, nanocrystals heterostructures for water splitting.

Angelo Mascarenhas

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials

General Area(s) of Research: Semiconductor physics Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Potential projects would include light scattering measurements on plasmons, and semiconductor heterostructure physics.

Nathan R. Neale

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

General Area(s) of Research: Solar photochemistry; photoelectrochemistry; nanomaterials Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: New schemes for the wet chemical synthesis and surface passivation of group IV and III-V nanoparticles; interfacial studies of catalysts at semiconductor/electrolyte junctions; assembly of nanoparticles into electrically conductive films.

Garry Rumbles

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties

General Area(s) of Research: Solar energy with a focus on the basic science of solar photoconversion processes and photoinduced electron transfer processes in polymer-based nanostructured interfaces Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Please refer to Professor's website.

Paul Stradins

Photovoltaics Research

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: High efficiency silicon and tandem photovoltaics Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: 1. Advanced surface passivation development for Si solar cells based on nanoscale materials engineering; 2. Nanostructured passivated contacts development for record efficiency Si cells; 3. Tandem cell development with Si bottom cell: nanoscale interfacing of the top and bottom cells for >30% efficiency.

Adele Tamboli

Photovoltaics Research

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties

General Area(s) of Research: Integration of III-V materials with Si and development of new PV materials Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Potential projects include working on our existing projects focusing on tandem solar cells as well as collaborative projects involving developing high efficiency c-Si solar cells, development of III-V multijunction solar cells, and exploring new polycrystalline thin film materials.

Glenn Teeter

Measurements & Character.

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties

General Area(s) of Research: Surface and interface studies of photovoltaic materials Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Surface and interface studies relevant to photovoltaic and other renewable-energy technologies; epitaxial growth studies of Cu2ZnSnS4 and related materials; fundamental and applied studies of native defects in CZTS and related materials.

Maikel van Hest

Atmospheric Processing of Photovoltaics

13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion • 4. Scalability and processing of materials

General research area: Atmospheric Processing of Photovoltaics Description of potential projects for postdoctoral fellows: Scaling of perovskite photovoltaic cell designs and device stacks from small lab cells to large area using scalable solution processing techniques, e.g. blade, slot-die, spray coating. Develop ink chemistry, coating parameters and post deposition processing steps. Study of monolithic thin film interconnects to minimize resistive losses in modules.

Andriy Zakutayev

Photovoltaics Research

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 8. Thermal transport • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion • 14. Materials and devices for thermal energy conversion • 15. Materials and devices for electrical energy storage • 16. Materials and devices for solar fuel production and utilization

General Area(s) of Research: Development of novel solar energy conversion materials and devices using high-throughput combinatorial approach Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: New absorbers for photovoltaics and photoelectrochemical water splitting, combinatorial and high-throughput experimental methods, sputtering, pulsed laser deposition of oxides/sulfides/nitrides, basic science of surfaces and interfaces, defects in semiconductors, transparent conductors, thermoelectrics, transistors, solar cells.

Kai Zhu

Chemical & Mat. Science

1. Interfaces • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties

General Area(s) of Research: Halide perovskite solar cell and related optoelectronic applications, material synthesis, charge transport and recombination, device modeling Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Our research on perovskite solar cells focuses on solution processing of perovskites, fabrication of planar and mesostructured perovskite cells, and fundamental studies of charge transport and recombination. Our objective is to understand material effects on the basic physical and chemical processes that are...

Stanford University

Sally Benson

Energy Resources Eng.

1. Interfaces • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 8. Thermal transport • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Micro and nano-scale characterization of fluid flow and transport in rocks Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Please refer to Professor's website

Bruce Clemens

Materials Science & Eng.

1. Interfaces • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 8. Thermal transport • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Photovoltaics; Ion Beam Assisted Deposition; Transistor Gate Materials; Hydrogen Storage Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Please refer to Professor's website.

Yi Cui

Materials Science & Eng.

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials • 8. Thermal transport • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Advanced materials synthesis and fabrication; Energy storage; Photovoltaics; Topological insulators; Printable energy and electronic device; Nanobiotechnology; Nano-environmental technologies; Nanoscale tools Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Please refer to Professor's website.

Tom Jaramillo

Chemical Engineering

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Solar Fuels by Photoelectrochemistry: Direct Conversion of Sunlight to Fuels; Carbon Dioxide Conversion to Fuels by Electrocatalysis: Renewable Electrons to Hydrocarbon Fuels; Oxygen Electrocatalysis for Fuel Production and Consumption: Developing active Catalysts for Fuel Cells, Water Electrolysis, and Solar Fuels; Electro-Oxidation Catalysis: Fundamental Insights for Fuel Cell Technologies Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Please refer to Professor's website.

Paul McIntyre

Materials Science & Eng.

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 8. Thermal transport • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Structure and properties of interfaces between dissimilar materials (especially metal oxide/covalent semiconductor interfaces); Atomic layer deposition of ultrathin films and their applications; Crystal growth at the nanoscale. Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Please refer to Professor's website.

Christopher J. Tassone

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion • 16. Materials and devices for solar fuel production and utilization

General research area: Meso- to atomic scale morphological characterization of functional materials for solar energy conversion, photochemical and electrochemical catalysis. We look to identify structural properties responsible for functional activity and use this knowledge to develop the next generations of materials. Particular attention is paid to the development of novel in situ and operando x-ray methods for investigating of energy generation devices and materials synthesis. Description of potential projects for...

Michael F. Toney

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion • 15. Materials and devices for electrical energy storage

General research area: Atomic and chemical characterization of functional materials for solar energy conversion and electrical energy storage; in situ and operando investigations of energy storage devices and materials synthesis Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Operando X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy and imaging of energy storage materials, including Li-S, Mg-S, LiNiMnCoOx, LiNiCoAlOx, LiMnOx, MgMnSiOx, Si, Ge and Sn anodes.

Jennifer Wilcox

Energy Resources Eng.

1. Interfaces • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 8. Thermal transport • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Hydrogen Production and Storage; Carbon Capture and Sequestration; Trace Metal Capture Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Please refer to Professor's website.

University of Colorado Boulder

Niels Damrauer

Chemistry & Biochemistry

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion • 16. Materials and devices for solar fuel production and utilization

General Area(s) of Research: Development of tools and molecular systems to understand and control photochemical transformations Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Synthesis of new organic molecular systems for singlet fission and inorganic molecules for controlled electron transfer, energy transfer, and bond breaking; Development of advanced spectroscopic tools derived from ultrafast laser pulses for interrogating complex systems for light-to-energy conversion (quantum control and multidimensional spectroscopy); applications of theory (electronic...

Gordana Dukovic

Chemistry & Biochemistry

General Area(s) of Research: Synthesis and spectroscopy of nanoscale materials Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Postdocs could join one of the existing projects: Novel nanoscale semiconductors for solar fuel generation; Photophysics and photochemistry of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals; Integration of nanocrystals and redox catalysts for solar photochemistry.

Joel D. Eaves

Chemistry & Biochemistry

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Theory and computation Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Singlet fission calculations for molecular aggregates and crystals, interfacing model Hamiltonians to microscopic electronic structure. Electronic structure of functionalized graphene sheets for water desalination and dynamics of water passage through these sheets. Phase transitions in glassy and non-glassy active matter systems.

Lawrence L. Kazmerski

1. Interfaces • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Emerging Reliability Issues for Photovoltaic Modules: Surface Soiling and Fundamental Photon Coupling Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: This research project focuses on special aspects of solar photovoltaics reliability that are only beginning to receive increased attention worldwide, that provide a foundation for state-of-the art R&D, and that have joint significance for Brasil and U.S. markets and climate conditions. The major objectives of this proposal...

Garret M. Miyake

Chemistry & Biochemistry

4. Scalability and processing of materials • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

General Area(s) of Research: Polymeric materials Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Synthesis and fabrication of polymer based photonic crystals or conjugated polymers.

Sean Shaheen

Electrical, Computer Engineering & Physics

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena • 13. Materials and devices for solar energy conversion

General Area(s) of Research: Organic and nanostructured photovoltaics Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Studies of exciton and charge transport in organic, Perovskite, or nanostructured solution-processed photovoltaic materials, both in experiment and simulation; Optimization and device engineering of solution-processed photovoltaics.

Ivan Smalyukh

Physics Department

1. Interfaces • 2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 4. Scalability and processing of materials • 5. Chemical processes-dependent on nano- and meso-scale dimensions • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 7. Interaction of quantum dots with semiconductor materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

General Area(s) of Research: Nanoscale and mesoscale self-assembly of renewable energy materials Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Focus on plastic and quantum-dot-based solar cells, liquid crystals, plasmonics, active colloids, photopolymerization, mesoscale self-assembly, upconversion nanoparticles, plasmon-exciton interactions, photobiology, and many other.

Bart Van Zeghbroeck

Electrical, Computer Eng.

1. Interfaces • 3. Advanced characterization (multi-modes) • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

General Area(s) of Research: Semiconductor devices, Nanofabrication Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Growth and interface characterization of graphene grown on 4H and 6H silicon carbide, Optical characterization of graphene-silicon interfaces.

Wei Zhang

Chemistry & Biochemistry

6. Integration of length scales in materials • 9. Hybrid nano-materials • 11. Nanoscale self-assembly and fabrication

* currently not accepting new CINEMA fellows General Area(s) of Research: Dynamic covalent assembly, Organic functional materials, nanohybrid composites, self-healing materials, controlled synthesis/assembly of nanoparticles, carbon capture Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: Controlled assembly (non-covalent or covalent) of macrocycles or nanocages into 2D or 3D nanohybrid architectures and explore their potentials in molecular separation, catalysis, and sensing applications.

Alex Zunger

2. Coherence effects, order, and defects in materials • 6. Integration of length scales in materials • 10. Optoelectronic properties • 12. Theory and simulation of phenomena

General Area(s) of Research: Condensed Matter Theory of Real materials Description of potential projects for CINEMA applicants: (1) Theoretical design of new topological insulator materials (2) Prediction of previously missing compounds with target functionality "Inverse Design" (3) Design of transparent conductors

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Research Programs in the United States

CINEMA Areas of Research (aka Departments)

Note: Use the filters below to identify Departments which here means Areas of Research and Partner Institutes/Colleges

Colorado School of Mines

Colorado State University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Stanford University

University of Colorado Boulder