Jacob Jones Research Group

North Carolina State University

How does the arrangement of atoms determine how materials respond to electricity and convert mechanical motion into electrical energy? The group studies piezoelectric materials with X-ray diffraction, connecting changes in crystal structure to their behavior under electric fields. Researchers investigate how moving domain walls, defects and grain size influence the properties used in ultrasound and energy-harvesting devices. Neutron, X-ray and electron scattering help reveal atomic structures in lead-free alternatives to conventional piezoelectric compounds. The work also develops statistical approaches to crystallographic analysis and examines materials for energy storage and nutrient recovery from water.