• Solar cells use a combination of semiconductors to produce electricity from sunlight.
  • Thermoelectric generators use a combination of semiconductors to produce electricity from heat.
  • Fuel cells need ceramic ion-conductors and metal catalysts to produce electricity from hydrogen.
  • Nuclear fusion reactors of the future will require the superheating of hydrogen gas into plasma. Materials scientists who specialize in plasma-matter interactions will be needed to help design reactors capable of withstanding the heat and protecting the plasma from contamination.

Some energy-generation technologies can be miniaturized using nanotechnology, allowing us to build more effective mobile power sources for devices ranging from consumer electronics to field gear for soldiers and scientist, and even tiny autonomous surveillance cameras that can fly like an insect or crawl into tight places.

Looking to buy an electric car? Or a hydrogen powered car? Battery technology is advancing thanks to new materials that can store electrical charge at higher densities, giving them a longer lifespan because they can be rechared more times, and hold their charges longer as they age. Similarly, new materials for hydrogen storage may one day supply cars with sufficient amounts of hydrogen fuel without a high risk of explosion.

How is MSE at UMD Reshaping Energy?
 

MSE Professor Liangbing Hu's group say a sliver of wood coated with tin could make a long-lasting, efficient and environmentally friendly battery.  Learn more...

When most people hear the words "fuel cell," they think of eco-friendly, hydrogen-powered cars that emit nothing more than water. But that, says MSE Professor and MEI2 Director Eric Wachsman, is a problem. Learn more...

MSE Professor Ichiro Takeuchi's group has designed a solid-state cooling technology based on shape memory alloys that could replace the vapor-compression based air conditioners and refrigerators, which utilize hydroflourocarbons and hydro flourochlorocarbons (such as Freon) that are harmful to the environment. Learn more...

MSE Professor Gottlieb Oehrlein is using a plasma science process called 'etching' to remove bacteria, such as E. coli, from the surface of fresh produce. Learn more... 

 

MSE faculty members currently conducting energy research:

Eric Wachsman

Professor
301-405-8193 | ewach@umd.edu
Profile

Liangbing Hu

Distinguished University Professor
301-405-9303 | binghu@umd.edu
Profile

Oded Rabin

Associate Professor
301-405-3382 | oded@umd.edu
Profile

Yifei Mo

Associate Professor
301-405-7613 | yfmo@umd.edu
Profile

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