Research Projects
Semi-Artificial Photosynthesis
Semi-artificial photosynthesis is a cutting-edge interdisciplinary research field that aims to replicate and enhance the natural process of photosynthesis for the production of clean energy. The goal is to not only mimic the process but also integrate elements of natural photosynthetic machinery into our semi-artificial photosynthetic devices. This involves harnessing the power of light to convert carbon dioxide into energy-rich compounds, just as plants and photosynthetic microbes such as cyanobacteria and purple bacteria do.
Our research group takes a multi-disciplinary approach to this challenge, incorporating elements of biology, chemistry, and engineering to develop semi-artificial systems that mimic and integrate elements of the natural process of photosynthesis. This involves developing efficient and cost-effective photovoltaic systems, improving the stability and longevity of components, and creating effective pathways for carbon dioxide reduction.
If successful, semi-artificial photosynthesis has the potential to provide a sustainable source of energy while also reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the effects of climate change. Despite being in its early stages of development, this research has the potential to revolutionize the energy industry and have a significant impact on our future.
Overall, semi-artificial photosynthesis is a complex and challenging field that requires collaboration and integration of various scientific and technological disciplines to achieve its full potential. The integration of natural photosynthetic machinery into our semi-artificial devices offers unique opportunities to improve the efficiency and stability of the process, making it a promising direction for the future of clean energy production
Photocatalysis and Photo(Bio)Catalysis
Photocatalysis and Photo(Bio)Catalysis are research fields that focus on the use of light energy to drive chemical reactions. Photocatalysis involves the use of artificial materials such as metal oxides and carbon-based materials to catalyze chemical reactions, while Photo(Bio)Catalysis incorporates biological systems such as enzymes and bacteria to achieve the same goal.
The goal of this research is to develop efficient and sustainable processes for environmental remediation and the production of chemicals and fuels. This includes the degradation of pollutants, the conversion of carbon dioxide into value-added products, and the production of hydrogen as a clean fuel.
Research in this field faces numerous challenges, including improving the efficiency and stability of photocatalytic materials, and optimizing the conditions for biological systems to perform efficiently. In our research group, we use a combination of synthetic and computational approaches to design and optimize photocatalytic and photo(bio)catalytic systems.
If successful, photocatalysis and photo(bio)catalysis have the potential to provide clean and sustainable solutions for some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. The development of efficient and sustainable processes for environmental remediation and the production of chemicals and fuels can have a significant impact on the future of clean energy and sustainable chemistry.
Green Hydrogen Production
Solar Green Hydrogen Production is a rapidly growing field of research that focuses on developing sustainable and eco-friendly methods for producing hydrogen gas. Hydrogen is a promising clean energy source due to its high energy content and versatility in various applications, including transportation, power generation, and industrial processes.
However, conventional methods of hydrogen production are energy-intensive and reliant on fossil fuels, leading to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. In contrast, solar green hydrogen production utilizes solar energy to drive the production of hydrogen through photocatalytic, photoelectrochemical, and microbial photoproduction processes.
Our research group is working on advancing this field by developing novel materials and systems for solar hydrogen production. We are also exploring various strategies to optimize the efficiency and stability of these systems.
Despite the promising potential of solar green hydrogen production, there are still significant research challenges that need to be addressed, including improving the efficiency of hydrogen production and reducing the cost of the production process.
By developing sustainable and efficient methods for producing hydrogen, our research group aims to make a significant impact on the energy industry and contribute to a greener future.
Solar Absorber Materials & Aerogels for Photothermal Desalination
Solar Absorber Materials & Aerogels for Photothermal Desalination is a cutting-edge research area that focuses on developing innovative solutions for water desalination using solar energy. Our research group is dedicated to designing and developing materials that enable efficient water transport and enhanced solar absorption. We are exploring the use of hierarchical porous materials and aerogels, as well as three-dimensional light harvesting architectures, to optimize the performance of photothermal desalination systems.
Desalination of seawater is becoming increasingly important as fresh water resources are becoming scarce, and populations are growing. Our goal is to provide a sustainable solution for the world's increasing demand for fresh water through the development of low-cost, high-efficiency, and environmentally friendly desalination processes.
We are developing and optimizing aerogels and other materials with optimal optical, thermal, and mechanical properties to maximize their performance in photothermal desalination systems. Our approaches aim to achieve high efficiency, low cost, and environmentally friendly desalination processes.
Despite the promising potential of solar absorber materials and aerogels for photothermal desalination, there are still significant research challenges that need to be addressed, including improving the stability and durability of the materials and systems, reducing the cost of the production process, and finding ways to scale up the technology for commercial application.
By advancing the field of solar absorber materials and aerogels for photothermal desalination, our research group aims to provide a sustainable solution for the world's increasing demand for fresh water and contribute to a greener future.
Advanced Materials for Water-Energy Nexus
We rely on cross-disciplinary research collaborations to further advance the field of materials for the Water-Energy Nexus.
In our efforts to address the complex interplay between water and energy, we are committed to developing advanced materials that can improve the efficiency and sustainability of water and energy systems. Along with our ongoing work in solar desalination, green solar hydrogen production, and photo/biocatalysis, we are dedicated to exploring all possible avenues for innovation in this field.
We understand the significance of finding solutions to global challenges such as water scarcity and energy security and are driven to make a positive impact through our research. Our interdisciplinary approach, driven by strong cross-disciplinary collaborations, allows us to tackle complex issues from multiple perspectives and develop innovative solutions that are effective and sustainable.
Join us on this exciting journey as we strive to develop cutting-edge materials that will help create a more sustainable future for the Water-Energy Nexus.
Biohybrid and Bioelectronic Materials
Our research group is dedicated to exploring the cutting-edge field of biohybrid materials and devices. Our team of experts in materials science and other relevant disciplines use state-of-the-art research methods and facilities to address the complex challenges of combining biological and synthetic materials. The creation of interfaces between these two materials at various scales is a central focus of our research.
External interfaces, such as the immobilization of a biomolecule on a nanowire, are only one aspect of this field. However, the most exciting and impactful advances are likely to come from the integration of functional nanoparticles within living microbial cells, which is an example of an internal interface. This type of biohybrid system offers tremendous potential for the creation of efficient energy systems, improved human-machine interfaces, and self-powered sensors.
Despite the challenges involved, the potential implications of biohybrid materials and devices for energy research are enormous. This is why our team is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that are both effective and sustainable. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to address complex issues from multiple perspectives, and to develop truly groundbreaking solutions.
We are proud to be part of this exciting and innovative field, and we believe that the possibilities are endless. Whether it's creating new forms of energy, improving human-machine interfaces, or developing self-powered sensors, we believe that biohybrid materials and devices will play a critical role in shaping the future of energy and electronics. Join us in this exciting journey, and be a part of our mission to make a real impact in the world through advanced materials science and engineering.