NSF Center for Chemical Innovation Solar Fuels program

Abstract

The NSF Center for Chem. Innovation in Solar Fuels (CCI Solar) focuses on one of the holy grails of 21st century chem. - the efficient and economical conversion of solar energy into stored chem. fuel. CCI Solar activities directly impact thousands of students, postdoctoral scholars, working scientists, and members of the public at large. Our outreach program delivers Juice-from-Juice solar science activity kits to elementary, middle, and high school students. Solar Energy Activity Lab kits introduce high school and undergraduate students to research involving a combinatorial search for new solar materials. CCI Solar graduate students and postdoctoral scholars acquire invaluable experience by serving as mentors in these outreach programs. CCI Solar researchers are delivering the message of clean renewable solar fuels in television, radio, and online programs, as well as in public lectures, scientific research conferences, and consultations with local, state, and federal government officials. The technol., environmental, economic, and social benefits of renewable solar fuels cannot be overstated, as every human being on Earth would be impacted by the development of sustainable energy resources.