The Analytical and Surface Chemistry (ASC) program of the Division of Chemistry will support the research program of Prof. Nathan Lewis of California Institute of Technology. Prof. Lewis and his students will investigate how to gain molecular control of processes involving the modification of silicon surfaces. Chemical modification of silicon surfaces is important in a plethora of applications including interfacing molecular electronics to Si-based circuitry, developing novel chemical sensors, developing new integrated optoelectronic devices, obtaining higher efficiencies from existing photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical cells and enabling high efficiencies of novel devices constructed from inexpensive but high surface area materials. The study will involve an extensive series of experiments designed to answer fundamental questions in silicon surface chemistry while demonstrating new chemical properties of Si surfaces. The research of Prof. Lewis will provide excellent training opportunities for students and postdoctoral research associates in a highly multidisciplinary area at the forefront of scientific research.
