Nano-Enabled Energy

The Lieber group is focused on several areas of nano-enabled energy with an emphasis on defining the fundamental limits that can be achieved using nanoscale structures. Current efforts include the design of novel nanowire materials and assemblies for next-generation solar cells to the development of nanoelectrode platforms for elucidating fundamental mechanisms of and enhancing electron transfer mechanisms at work in microbial fuel cells. Specific research areas being pursued include the following:

Nanowire photovoltaics. We are exploring two central nanowire motifs involving p-i-n dopant modulation in axial and coaxial geometries as platforms for fundamental studies at the single nanowire level. Current work is focused on controlled synthesis of core/multi-shell nanowires with in situ doping of the core and heteromorphic, crystalline shells to define optimized structure and electronic properties to maximize open circuit voltage in subwavelength diameter structures. We are also using a combination of experiments and simulations to define the unique absorption and photocurrent response achievable from designed core/multi-shell nanowire structures. In addition, the lateral and vertical assembly of nanowires elements, together with studies of the unique photovoltaic properties of devices configured from these assemblies, is being explored.

Microbial fuel cells. The mechanisms of electron transfer between microbes and electrodes in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which ultimately limit power extraction, remain controversial. The Lieber group is pursuing the development of novel nanoelectrode structures combined with in-situ optical imaging as platforms to define extracellular electron transfer down to the level of single microbes, as well as in controlled microbe-microbe assemblies. In addition, work is focused on the development of novel nanostructures that facilitate both extracellular and intracellular electron transfer from bacteria as well as mammalian cells.

Selected Publications

B. Tian, X. Zheng, T.J. Kempa, Y. Fang, N. Yu, G. Yu, J. Huang and C.M. Lieber, "Coaxial silicon nanowires as solar cells and nanoelectronic power sources," Nature 449, 885-890 (2007).
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T. Kempa, R. Day, S. Kim, H. Park, and C.M. Lieber, “Semiconductor nanowires: A platform for exploring limits and concepts for nano-enabled solar cells,” Energy Environ. Sci. 6, 719-733 (2013).
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S.-K. Kim, R.W. Day, J.F. Cahoon, T.J. Kempa, K.-D. Song, H.-G. Park and C.M. Lieber, “Tuning light absorption in core/shell silicon nanowire photovoltaic devices through morphological design,” Nano Lett. 12, 4971-4976 (2012).
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Selected Publications

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