Materials+for+Natural+Energy+Capture


 * Objectives:** Researchers will understand how nature harvests solar energy in a leaf, with the energy utilized to generate food. They will understand additional energy-harvesting techniques, including photovoltaic, thermoelectric, and hydrogen generation and will learn how to use modeling, synthesis techniques, and an array of characterization tools to design novel energy-harvesting materials and devices.
 * Laboratory Research Plan:** Researchers will learn the physics and chemistry of energy-harvesting materials and devices. They will conduct experiments in synthesizing materials via physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and laser ablation techniques. They will also learn to use characterization tools to evaluate optoelectronic, structural, and chemical properties. Finally, they will make and test devices such as solar cells and thermoelectric cells.