Energy

Advances in energy storage basic science and technology are critical in enabling expanded adoption of renewable forms of energy and a clean green resilient electric grid. Understanding materials processing-structure-property relationships is crucial to control their properties.

Faculty Research Areas

Dennis T. Lee

Professor Dennis T. Lee focuses on developing multifunctional composite materials by engineering surfaces, interfaces, and defects to tune their structure-property-function relationships. His research leverages advanced processing strategies, including vapor-phase and wet chemical synthesis, to create targeted hybrid materials. Furthermore, he designs porous material-based hybrid systems to address critical challenges in chemical detoxification, membrane separations, energy, and global health.

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Devinder Mahajan

Professor Devinder Mahajan’s research focuses on energy policy and the development and implementation of hybrid energy technologies. His work explores the conversion of CO₂ and renewable natural gas (RNG) into fuels and chemicals, alongside the catalytic production of methanol, mixed alcohols, and hydrocarbons via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. He also investigates ultra-deep hydrodesulfurization (HDS) for clean fuels and extremophile-mediated hydrogen production for fuel cells. Furthermore, his research encompasses laboratory mimics of gas hydrates and the extraction of geothermal energy and minerals from brines.

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Esther Takeuchi

Professor Esther Takeuchi focuses on the design and development of next-generation batteries with high energy, power density, and long life. Her research involves the rational synthesis of electroactive materials, exploring their structure-function relationships, ion transport mechanisms, and complex redox processes. Through collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches integrating chemistry, materials science, and electrochemistry, she advances cutting-edge energy storage technologies.

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Hyowon Seo

Professor Hyowon Seo focuses on the molecular engineering of electrochemical and photochemical systems to advance applications in energy and catalysis. His research integrates stimulus-responsive materials with automated reaction platforms to design and enable novel chemical transformations. Additionally, he develops scalable and efficient processes to address critical challenges in next-generation separations.

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Miriam Rafailovich

Professor Miriam Rafailovich focuses on polymer materials, nanocomposites, and the development of biodegradable, sustainable polymer systems through advanced manufacturing. Her highly interdisciplinary research spans environmental protection, including nanotoxicology and flame retardants, as well as green energy technologies like fuel cells and photovoltaics. Additionally, she extensively explores biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, biosensors, and bio-nano interactions.

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Yu-chen Karen Chen-Wiegart

Professor Yu-chen Karen Chen-Wiegart focuses on the advanced characterization of functional materials utilizing cutting-edge X-ray imaging and spectroscopy techniques. Her research explores nano- and meso-structured, as well as surface-engineered materials, with a strong emphasis on energy-related technologies. Additionally, she applies these sophisticated characterization methodologies to address broad challenges in sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage.

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