Research

Members of the AM-SET-LAB are currently working in the following research areas:

Building Energy Performance

According to the International Energy Agency, the building sector accounts for more than one-third of the global energy consumption and almost 40% of CO₂ emissions. The AM-SET-Lab is focused on the development of a number of materials and technologies to improve building performance including thermal energy harvesting and storage to facilitate the electrification of heating, radiative cooling panels, building-integrated photovoltaics, energy harvesting windows, and passive solar heating systems.

Thermophotovoltiacs

Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems can convert radiant energy from any high temperature heat source to electric power. Our research in this area focuses on the development of advanced optical cavities and filters for high-performance TPV systems that can withstand high-temperature cyclic loading conditions.

Nanomaterials for Energy Harvesting

Nanomaterials have feature sizes that are typically between 1 and 100 nm, and can exhibit unique physical, chemical, mechanical and electrical properties that differ from that of their bulk-material counterparts. Research in the AM-SET-Lab is directed toward the development and application of nanomaterials for energy related applications including aerogel-based composites for high-performance thermal insulation, water and air purification, and CO₂ capture materials.

Techno-enviro-economic Assessment and Sustainability

Research carried out within the AM-SET-Lab is directed towards the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (https://sdgresources.relx.com/), in particular SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13: Climate Action. The AM-SET-Lab frequently carries out Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and technoeconomic studies to evaluate and compare how energy systems and energy-intensive processes can advance the UN SDGs.