Fabrication and characterization of photosynthetic protein-based solar cells, dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), and organic photovoltaics (OPVs). My primary dissertation research spans the area of bio-photoelectrochemical cells which seeks to mimic photosynthesis to harvest solar energy.The overarching goal of my research is to increase the external quantum yield efficiency of bio-photoelectrochemical cells which has been limited partially due to the challeging electron transfer between the bio-molecule component and the device electrodes.

Photocatalysis and Plasmonics

Worldwide revenues from anti-microbial, easy-clean, and self-cleaning nanocoatings could grow to US$ 2117.5 million by 2015. TiO2 is one of the most favorable material for photocatalytic, self-cleaning, and environmental applications. However, the larger than 3.1 eV bandgap of TiO2 has limited its application to only the ultraviolete (UV) range. My objective is to design solar light-responsive photocatalysts for air/water treatment, energy applications, and the production of carbonaceous solar fuels.

Advanced Materials Synthesis and Characterization

Synthesis and characterization of advanced nanomaterials for energy and environmental applications, design and synthesis of mesoporous material with tunable pore size.

Electrochemical Devices

Fabrication, in-depth device characterization, device optimization.

Thin-Films Synthesis and Characterization

Using various techniques including, but not limited to, atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confocal Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electrochemical analysis (CV, impedance, and photochronoamperometry), and nanomechanical analysis.