Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

Our group is primarily interested in low-dimensional metal nitrides grown by MBE. Because of their tunable energy bandgap that can absorb a wide range of the solar spectrum while straddling the redox potentials for CO2 reduction and water splitting, one-dimensional metal nitrides exhibit great potential in artificial photosynthesis. Furthermore, because they are defect-free and have high surface area to volume ratios, these systems favor charge carrier extraction. Due to their unique electronic properties, these systems hold enormous promise for activating carbon dioxide; we have, therefore, been studying these remarkable low-dimensional systems for solar fuel generation by water-splitting and CO2 reduction.

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Best Estimate of GHG Avoidance/Reduction of This Project (Tonnes CO2 Equivalent/Year):

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

As outlined in UMOR‚ Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, UMOR is committed to maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment as a means to attract and retain the best talent to carry out this mission. All of our units have the responsibility to incorporate the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their activities and operations, but ultimately our ability to fulfill our commitment rests with all of us as individuals.

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Mission Statement:

Driven by solar energy, metal-nitride nanowires grown on silicon can convert carbon dioxide and water into valuable chemicals and high energy fuels. The metal-nitride based catalytic system for CO2 reduction should have high efficiency, high selectivity, long-term durability, and potentially low cost. Using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), we have grown nearly defect-free nanowires that have demonstrated superior performance in the photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2. We plan to improve the catalytic properties of this promising system using techniques including, but not limited to, electrodeposition, photodeposition, electron beam evaporation, and atomic layer deposition.