Research

Electrochemical energy storage

We combine theory, numerical simulations, and experiments to study the thermodynamics, dynamic transport, and interfacial phenomena that govern charge storage in electrochemical capacitors and lithium-ion batteries.

We have developed unique operando instrumentation and modalities to identify the thermal signature of charging and degradation mechanisms. We also develop and use continuum models to elucidate the interpretation of conventional electrochemical methods and develop new characterization methods. With our collaborators, we translate these fundamental insights into materials and devices that charge faster, last longer, and run cooler.

Mesoporous materials

With our collaborators, we synthesize and characterize mesoporous films and particles, as well as aerogel films and monoliths. We measure how their nanoscale architecture controls their thermal, optical, and mechanical properties.

To complement these experiments, we use molecular dynamics and electromagnetic wave simulations on realistic computer-generated microstructures.

This dual approach allows us to decode microstructure-property relationships and establish design rules for functional materials for next-generation energy technologies.

Light–matter interactions & radiation transfer

We measure and simulate how light and thermal radiation are absorbed and scattered by particles, bubbles, droplets, microalgae, and aggregates in complex media. We bridge the gap between theoretical electromagnetic physics and practical engineering applications.

Examples include transparent aerogels for energy-efficient windows, passive radiative cooling, photobioreactors, solar water splitting for hydrogen production, dew and rain on solar panels, energy-efficient glass manufacturing, and variable-emittance textiles.

Energy-efficient buildings & infrastructure

With our collaborators, we engineer materials that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable sustainable construction. By embedding microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) into concrete, we reduce and time-shift peak thermal loads during day–night cycles, substantially cutting cooling energy demand in buildings. These microcapsules also reduce the risk of early-age thermal cracking and can extend the service life of concrete exposed to the elements.

The cement industry accounts for roughly 8% of global CO₂ emissions, largely due to the high-temperature (~1450 °C) conversion of limestone and clay into clinker. We instead produce calcium hydroxide, a precursor for low-carbon binders, at temperatures below 100 °C from calcium-rich industrial slag, without calcining limestone. Through accelerated carbonation, this approach permanently stores CO₂ in the concrete, turning an industrial waste into durable infrastructure.