Paul V. Braun Research Group

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

What materials architectures enable improved electrochemical energy storage at the nanoscale? The Braun group synthesizes and studies materials with unique optical, electrochemical, thermal, mechanical, and transport properties guided by 3D nano- and mesoscale architectures. The group focuses recent projects on materials for electrochemical energy storage, advanced optics, chemical sensing, heat and matter transport control, and self-healing materials. Researchers use synthesis, self-assembly, and fabrication of controlled nano- and mesoscale architectures to produce emergent properties such as tailored transport and optical behavior. The group measures electrochemical, optical, thermal, mechanical, and transport responses to link architecture and materials processing to function.