Synthetic Manipulation of Composition and Dimensionality in 0D and 2D Semiconductors

Bio: Dr. Javier Vela is a University Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Chemistry at Iowa State University. He is the author of over a hundred peer-reviewed scientific publications and patents on nanostructured materials, inorganic compounds, and their use in addressing challenging energy conversion, chemical catalysis, and imaging problems. He has directed twenty-one doctoral and three master's theses and mentored numerous undergraduates. Dr. Vela received his PhD at the University of Rochester in 2005. He was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago, and a Director's Postdoctoral Fellow at Los Alamos National Lab, before joining Iowa State University in 2009. A Fellow of the AAAS and ACS, Dr. Vela has been a faculty scientist with the US DOE Ames National Laboratory since 2010.

Abstract: Increasing demand for sustainable energy conversion, chemical catalysis, and quantum information systems motivates our research on optically active, low dimensional materials, particularly those comprised of earth-abundant and biocompatible elements. I will describe our group's present and future efforts aimed at: (1) thermal- and photo-catalysts for the reduction and valorization of nitrate and nitro-aromatics, (2) alkaline-earth-containing semiconductors for energy conversion and optoelectronic devices, (3) chalcogen- and pnictide-based, layered materials for quantum applications. Synthetic and spectroscopic exploration of phase space using readily available precursors allows us to fine-tune the chemical structure and composition, fundamental properties, and desired performance of our materials. We hope this research will spur additional chemical investigation of new sustainable materials and technologies as well as their practical application.