Semiconductor Photoanodes for Water Oxidation and Solar Fuels Generation Stabilized Using Atomic Layer Deposition

California Institute Of Technology, Pasadena CA

Investigators

Abstract

The Division of Chemistry supports Nicholas Strandwitz of the California Institute of Technology as an American Competitiveness in Chemistry Fellow. Dr. Strandwitz will work with Prof. Nate Lewis to investigate the use of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) to create inexpensive, stable photoanodes for water oxidation and solar fuels generation. The work will be carried out in collaboration with scientists at Argonne National Laboratory -- taking advantage of the state of the art deposition and microanalysis capabilities available there. For his plan for broadening participation, the PI will develop energy-themed curriculum hands-on teaching modules, in collaboration with 8th grade public school science teachers at John Marshall Fundamental School in Pasadena, CA. The teaching modules incorporate California State Standards for 8th graders, and will be designed to be easily integrated into the existing curricula. Research like that of Dr. Strandwitz is designed to enable next-generation energy technology to help wean the country of its dependence upon fossil fuels for energy. The efforts at broadening participation being pursued by Dr. Strandwitz are aimed at enabling young people from all backgrounds to be better prepared for further study in STEM fields, as well as developing in them an appreciation of the kinds of societal problems (e.g. energy sustainability) that science has the potential to solve.