Goals

The overarching goal of the Center is to increase the efficiency of energy conversion by manipulating materials at the nanometer scale. We develop advanced fabrication and characterization methodologies to understand how nanostructuring can optimize light absorption through quantum and optical confinement and improve catalysis through theory-driven design. Each is manipulated to improve performance and efficiency in energy conversion and storage devices.

Our research helps provide and expand the scientific foundation of the underlying physical and chemical phenomena shared by a diverse range of energy conversion processes, and exploit them in systems that can lead to break-out high-efficiency, cost-effective energy technologies. Such a multi-disciplinary approach is enabled by the Center structure that provides the intellectual environment and the facilities infrastructure critical to carry out the research projects. A team of CNEEC researchers assembled across disciplines, institutions, and skill sets (see Figure) bring their complementary expertise to bear on these complex but fundamental issues that cut across many energy conversion and storage devices. To pursue its mission, CNEEC has organized its research activities in two interconnected projects:

Project 1. Optical and quantum confinement for light absorption

Project 2. Atomic scale engineering for catalysis

Center on Nanostructuring for Efficient Energy Conversion is an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science and Office of Basic Energy Sciences