Research
My research group focuses on incisively characterizing and understanding the physics and chemistry that underlie the functioning of materials for sustainable energy as well as synthesis pathways. We focus on energy storage, solar materials, hydrogen storage, and materials and process to address clean water challenges, and use X-ray and neutron scattering, together with X-ray spectroscopy and imaging often operando and in situ. The insight gained enables the rationale design and control of properties, performance and synthesis pathways and can enable the creation of a road map to the development and discovery of next generation materials and processes.
Electrochemical energy storage, including Li-ion and beyond Li-ion batteries. Our research includes;
- Developing Li-metal anodes. Part of the .
- Interfaces for multivalent batteries & ion transport in electrolytes. Part of the , an Energy Hub,
- Interfaces in transition metal cathodes,
- Solid-state electrolytes,
- Fast charging, part of the project.
Foundational and applied materials science of hybrid metal halide perovskite semiconductors. I am part of the , an Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC). 听
Research activities are:
- Lattice Dynamics and impact on properties
- Characterize homogeneity in multi-component compounds
- The impact of imposed strain on stability
- Quantify defect chemistry and impact on properties
- Determine film formation mechanisms in situ and develop reaction pathways
- Structure-property relationship in 鈥�2D perovskites鈥�
Establishing structure-function relationship in organic photovoltaics (OPVs). This is part of an Office of Naval Research MURI.
Materials and processes for clean water technologies, including fouling of membrane surfaces and transport in membranes. This is a new area for me and we have a recent submitted manuscript to Joule that can be found here describing opportunities.
Hydrogen storage materials. The goal is to address the scientific gaps blocking the advancement of solid-state hydrogen storage materials. .听
Education
BS California Institute of Technology, 1979
PhD University of Washington,听Risoe National Lab in Denmark, 1983
Fun Facts
Outside of work, Mike enjoys hiking, watching Star Trek: Next Generation, and listening to Springsteen. Even though Mike is from California, he听strongly dislikes avocados. He also says he can claim to be from Colorado because his mom and her mother were both born here.听