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Energy Efficiency

Generating new findings for a brighter future. We’re exploring how to improve energy production, storage, distribution and consumption that leads to efficient and effective energy use. 

woman in suit
Photo Credit
Jeff Liang
UCSB's Grace Han’s research centers on solar fuels that capture sunlight and convert it into usable heat.

Chemist Grace Han named Moore Inventor Fellow

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Rare earth element names with suffix “ium.”
Photo Credit
Matt Perko

A simple filter for rare earth elements will ensure a clean domestic supply of these crucial metals
cargo ships queueing at Los Angeles and Long Beach port during COVID pandemic
Cargo vessel congestion at the Los Angeles/Long Beach port complex during the COVID pandemic

A cheap and easy potential solution for lowering carbon emissions in maritime shipping
The open back of a smartphone shows lithium-ion batteries inside
Photo Credit
Tyler Lastovich / Unsplash
Lithium-ion batteries power everything from cell phones to laptops

Lithium shows its metal, paving the way for better batteries
artist rendering of #D semiconductor architectures using 2D materials
Photo Credit
Brian Long/UCSB

Next-gen 3D transistors transform energy-efficient electronics
One person ascending outdoor stairs of a modern building with a sunburst overhead
Photo Credit
Matt Perko
The Interactive Learning Pavilion, opened in 2023, is UCSB’s first all electric facility.

Reaching net zero for emissions will bring major cost savings to campus
Bright colors and different shapes meant to illustrate a photonic array
Photo Credit
Brian Long
Artist's concept illustration of a photonic memory array

A new optical memory platform for super fast calculations
image of lab instrument
Photo Credit
Matt Perko
The scanning ultrafast electron microscope in the Bolin Liao lab

Researchers create the first ever visualization of photoexcited charges traveling across the interface of two semiconductor materials
concept illustration of brain-inspired computing hardware

Researchers propose the next platform for brain-inspired computing
Two workers in white coveralls and masks examine solar cells in a cleanroom.
Photo Credit
Gorodenkoff via iStock
Alternatives to silicon-based solar cells could allow solar panel production to move out of cleanrooms like this.

UCSB pioneers a low-energy process for high-performance solar cells
A large field of sunflowers near Sacramento.
Photo Credit
Tfoxfoto via iStock
Tweaks to farming practices could preserve some of California’s declining water resources.

Small changes can yield big savings in agricultural water use
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A seed grant for light-driven catalysis
concept photo of a green building amid regular buildings

This adaptive roof tile can cut both heating and cooling costs
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