Energy systems research includes: Si nanowire solar cells, super-capacitors based on nano-structured (polymer, nanotube) materials.
Faculty Involved
Research Topics
Mechanical and Biochemical Energy Harvesting
The availability of electric power is crucial for the operation of remote sensors or implanted microsystems. We are developing technology to convert different forms of energy in the environment into usable electric energy. This includes biochemical energy harvesting inside the human body.
Nanowires
Photovoltaics
Super Capacitors
Supercapacitors are electrochemical capacitors that take advantage of the double-layer charge that forms across electrode-solution interfaces. By maximizing the internal surface area available, while minimizing the weight, it is possible to achieve very high specific capacitances. Energy storage density can be further increased by coating porous electrodes with redox active materials that store charges within their volumes.
Research Projects
Protein-based Solar Cell
Plants capture photons very efficiently. Can we learn from them in making photovoltaic devices? We are investigating the use of photosynthetic protein complexes in solar cells, with the aim of creating very low cost solar cells.