In single- and multi-component nano-scaled materials for efficient energy harvesting and energy storage, the influences of finite size, shape, hierarchal complexity and a dynamic surface chemical environment on properties extend well beyond the constraints posed by traditional materials-specific property closures of individual material components. In the Mesoscaled Materials Laboratory (MML) we investigate the synthesis and selected properties of single- and multi-component inorganic nanostructured and thin-film materials and devices. We are currently investigating:
functional properties of ferroelectric nanostructures and their surface chemical environment, with applicability in memory, sensing, in nanoelectromechanical and photovoltaic energy harvesting, and in other energy-related areas
development of novel synthetic pathways for multi-component nanostructures for electronic and photonic devices
electronic transport in low-dimensional semiconductor and metallic materials and devices, including resonant coupling (and scattering) of electromagnetic radiation with (and by) nanowires
