The Sfeir group’s research is focused on macromolecular and nanoscale materials with novel functional properties relevant to emerging sustainable energy technologies. The heart of our research program is materials discovery and the associated challenges for demonstrating advanced functionality. We specialize in:

(i) the development of non-invasive and high-throughput ultrafast tools to address difficult chemical and materials science problems

(ii) the design and implementation of nanophotonic platforms that enhance the performance of photophysical and photochemical light harvesting processes

Advanced spectroscopic tools are extremely important to energy technologies, as they are uniquely able to elucidate the processes that enable the conversion of light energy to other forms (electricity, fuels, coherent quantum states) while quantifying the dominant recombination channels and kinetic bottlenecks (i.e., where is energy being lost?). This information is a necessary for optimizing materials and articulating optimal device architectures. We leverage high-throughput, non-invasive advanced characterization methods based on optical, infrared, and terahertz radiation to uncover new functional properties and evaluate tailored device implementations of materials for emerging technologies.

Our highly collaborative science program depends on critical partnerships with like-minded researchers engaged in chemical and materials synthesis, modeling and theory, and device fabrication and testing.