Cross‑Cutting Themes
COMPUTATION, MODELLING AND THEORY
Erin Johnson is studying the theoretical and quantum chemistry of energy transfer, fundamental to the conversion of light to electrical energy. Ryan MacDonell's research is focused on the the theoretical simulation of photochemistry with classical and quantum computers, particularly for internal conversion processes where common approximations in quantum chemistry break down. Jesse Maassen’s focus is on theory and simulation of electro-thermal transport and energy conversion. Josef Zwanziger is engaged in the computational and theoretical studies of solids. The picture shows the electron density in the Mott-Hubbard insulator LaTiO3, for which we could reproduce the nuclear quadrupole resonance spectra and study the orbital ordering. Penghao Xiao studies the long time dynamics using transition state theory with applications in Li-ion batteries, electrocatalysis and corrosion.
MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
Jeff Dahn uses ultrahigh precision coulometry, in conjunction with analytical chemistry techniques and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to characterize battery lifetimes and characterize reaction products on electrode surfaces and within electrolytes to determine mechanisms of capacity loss.
Penghao Xiao studies the long time-scale dynamics using transition state theory with applications in Li-ion batteries, electrocatalysis and corrosion.
Ulrike Werner Zwanziger and Josef Zwanziger use solid-state NMR to address a wide range topics. The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Research Resource (NMR-3) houses several NMR spectrometers capable of studying both liquid and solid samples.
Mary Anne White has broad interests in materials characterization and uses the Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS) to make rapidly characterize thermal (heat capacity, thermal conductivity), electrical and magnetic properties of materials.
Ted Monchesky use a combination of SQUID magnetometry, magnetoresistance, Hall effect and x-ray measurements in-house to characterize samples of nanomagnetic materials, as well as neutron reflectometry, small angle neutron scattering and synchrotron measurements.
Ian Hill's group employs facilities for thin film deposition (UHV, spin casting, RF/DC sputtering, and bell jar evaporators), surface science characterization of films and interfaces (XPS, UPS and SIMS), and electro-optical characterization of devices.
To perform research on structural elements, such as concrete beams, concrete columns, sandwich panels, and FRPs, Pedram Sadeghian's group uses tools such as impact testers, and test frames, such as the 100 kN Instron test frame.
Scanning Electron Microscopy is widely used by many researchers including Mita Dasog, Ghada Koleilat, Heather Andreas, Paul Bishop, Kevin Plucknett, Stephen Corbin, Jeff Dahn, Mark Obrovac, Graham Gagnon, Ted Monchesky, Gordon Price, Pedram Sadeghian, Lukas Swan and Farid Taheri.