Energy and environment

We are developing new materials and processes for efficient energy conversion and storage devices, exploring ways to minimize global climate change, and more.

Energy and environment

Advanced vehicle systems and technologies

Researchers investigate the economic, environment, and social implications of current and future vehicle technologies. How can we build better technologies—ones that are cleaner, more efficient, affordable, and sustainable?

Fuel cell, advanced lithium batteries, electric aviation, autonomous vehicles, and the policies surrounding these technologies, are some of the areas we are exploring.

Faculty involved: B. Reeja Jayan, Shawn Litster, Jeremy Michalek, Katie Whitefoot, Ding Zhao

Materials for energy efficiency

Our researchers are engineering new materials to improve energy conversion and storage efficiency as well as dramatically reduce energy consumption of products like electronics, lighting, and other widely-used appliances. Some recent examples take advantage of 3D printing to produce ceramics and battery electrodes.

Faculty involved: Amir Barati Farimani, B. Reeja Jayan, Shawn Litster, Jonathan Malen, Alan McGaughey, Rahul Panat, Sheng Shen,

Energy and air quality

Our experts investigate the air pollutants that are emitted by the production and use of energy and how these pollutants evolve in the atmosphere. They explore ways to minimize the impact on human health and global climate change.

Faculty involved: Jeremy Michalek, Albert Presto, Satbir Singh, Ryan Sullivan

Clean power systems

Faculty members explore how to minimize emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants through reliable, safe, and economic operation of electric power plants and other energy conversion systems. They examine how to best utilize renewable energy sources.

Faculty involved: Jeremy Michalek, Satbir Singh

Renewable energy

Our faculty aim to provide clean, renewable sources of energy that serve to de-carbonize the environment, advance sustainable solar power, and develop bio-energy technologies from photosynthetic microorganisms like algae. Polymer solar cells and solar thermal energy conversion are two examples of research areas.

Faculty involved: Amir Barati Farimani, B. Reeja Jayan, Philip LeDuc, Jeremy Michalek, Sheng Shen

People

Learn who in Mechanical Engineering is working in energy and the environment.

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CACES

Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions

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Learn more about CACES.