Supplying the world with energy in a sustainable manner is one of the most pressing issues in modern society. Dramatically improved control over heat, electricity and solar energy is essential to create a new energy paradigm. Our program explores the energy conversion and storage using : 1) Surface Plasmon, 2) Radiological Cooling, 3) Photo-Evaporation. Leveraging the unique properties of nanomaterials, this program seeks significant advancements in the basic understanding of materials and mechanisms, as well as revolutionary breakthroughs in designs and processes.
Our group addresses the physical challenges of light field localization, resonant coupling, and light transmission in novel metal micro-nano structural materials. We focus on the optical effects, devices, and applications of plasmons in these new micro-nano optical structures and materials.
Heat flow control is essential for broad applications of heating, cooling and energy conversion. Like power electronic devices developed for the control of electric power, it is very desirable to develop advanced all-thermal devices to self-control the heat flow without consuming other forms of energy.
Nanomaterials with well-defined size, geometry and interface can be used to control phonon behavior, therefore the heat flow in an unprecedented manner.
The Photothermal Group focuses on photothermal conversion materials and devices, water-energy materials and devices, including the design of photothermal materials with micro-nanostructures, the modulation of optical-thermal properties, and solar-driven water purification/atmospheric water harvesting/resource extraction.
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