The Chemical and Materials Science Center, within NREL's Energy Sciences directorate, investigates materials and processes for converting sunlight into chemical and electrical energy and conducts theoretical studies and fundamental experimental research on optoelectronic materials. The center is led by Director William Tumas.
The Center conducts its research within three groups:
Chemical and Nanoscale Science. The Chemical and Nanoscale Science Group helps to provide the nation with clean sources of energy by studying and developing novel and efficient ways to convert the energy in sunlight into chemical energy (such as hydrogen) and light-generated electricity. Learn more.
Theoretical Materials Science. The Theoretical Materials Science Group at NREL performs state-of-the-art theoretical calculations to develop scientific bases for selecting and optimizing materials used in modern optoelectronic devices. The group also works to enhance and accelerate advances in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Photovoltaic Program and DOE Basic Energy Sciences Program. Learn more.
Experimental Materials Science. The Experimental Materials Science Group's research provides a knowledge base in materials science covering fundamental issues that impact photovoltaics, electrochromic ("smart") windows, high-temperature superconductors, hydrogen storage, and solid-state batteries. Learn more.
For staff profiles, publications, and contact information, see the Chemical and Materials Science staff page.
