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Research

The Boettcher solar materials and electrochemistry laboratory is focused on designing, synthesizing, and understanding materials for applications in energy conversion and storage. 

Specific interests include the synthesis and study of heterogeneous electrocatalysts for water oxidation with defined molecular and nanoscale structures, the use of computer simulation and direct electrical measurements to understand semiconductor-electrocatalyst interfaces, and the development of high-performance III-V semiconductor solar conversion architectures using scalable and inexpensive deposition processes. To address these diverse challenges, the Boettcher group consists of students and postdocs from diverse backgrounds including chemistry (materials, physical, synthetic), engineering, and physics.

In particular we are interested in developing the fundamental science needed to enable direct solar water splitting architectures that integrate solar energy conversion with storage in the form of chemical fuel.

Figure 1. One vision for a solar water-splitting cell that utilizes only sunlight and water as inputs and generates H2 and O2 products. Researchers around the world are working on various fundamental and applied aspects of similar "devices".

We also work closely with groups within the University of Oregon and at Oregon State University through the Center for Sustainable Materials Chemistry. Basic and use-inspired research in the CSMC is focused on developing the fundamental solution chemistry to enable large area precise thin-film deposition from aqueous solution precursors. These materials have applications in electrochromic smart windows, solar cells, water splitting cells, heterogenous catalysis, displays, tunneling electronics, etc.

Please see the Boettcher Website for the latest updates! 

 

 

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