Nanotechnology - Applications to Energy and the Environment March 23, 2009

Converting abundant natural resource cleanly and efficiently into electricity is one of the single most important challenges of the next 20 years. This is a materials problem. In fact, this may be the biggest materials problem of our lifetime. The understanding and discovery of new materials will be the key to reaalizing the massive challenge of providing clean, abundant energy on a global scale. We have to discover new materials to generate energy that are abundant, inexpensive, efficient, and scalable. When it comes to new materials, there is nothing newer than nanotech.

Dr. Jeff Grossman, UC Berkeley, aims to understand the complex interplay of electronic, structural, and optical effects that enable a material to convert sunlight into electricity efficiently. Namely, photo-excitation of an electron, thermalization of this excited electron/hole to conduction and valence band minima, exciton formation and diffusion, charge separation, free carrier transport, and collection at metal contacts.

Jeff will discuss the basics of nanotechnology and then turn the conversation towards solar power. He'll also discuss how new partnerships are forming between academic and private enterprise to further the solar nanotech revolution. And he'll take any and all questions on nano including concerns about safety.

Free.

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