Thrust

Research Thrust: Energy Storage (Lee, Li, Lu, Ilan, Wu at Glenn)

The average temperature for Mars is -63 °C whereas for Venus it is over 400 °C. Long-duration and deeper space exploration will require electrical energy storage devices — batteries and supercapacitors (SCs) — which fully function under extreme temperatures. Research under this thrust aims to develop materials-based solutions that allow energy storage devices to operate under extreme conditions. The discoveries will benefit the goals of HEOMD and enhance the technological capabilities of STMD. Lee, Li, and Lu will perform experiments while Ilan will conduct theoretical calculations and Bugga at JPL and Wu at Glenn will evaluate performance.

 

 

Research Thrust: Energy Efficiency (Baykara, Eguiluz, Martini, Strubbe, Ghosh, Li, Lu, Ye, DellaCorte and Wu at Glenn, Park at Langley, Heverly, Johnson & Kennett at JPL and Li at Ames)

    Due to energy scarcity in space, efficient use of energy is essential to extending the boundaries of space exploration. Under this thrust, we will collaborate with Glenn and JPL to guide the development of new solid lubricants that operate at extreme environments. With Langley researchers, we will seek to create low-energy-driven mechanical actuation, which could enable longer operation time spans. Partnering with Ames, we will investigate energy-efficient and reliable biomarker sensing technology. These 3 research activities address NASA research priorities for long-term exploration and utilization within SMD, STMD and HEOMD. Our team includes 8 faculty members and existing collaborators at 4 NASA centers.

 

 

Energy Harvesting (Ghosh, Ilan, Strubbe, Zhang, Peshek at Glenn)

    Designing lightweight and reliable solar cells with greater efficiency in harvesting the sun’s rays will enable long-term space missions across the solar system including lunar habitats and solar electric propulsion. We are investigateingorganic metal halide perovskite (OMHP) thin films, which offer the advantages of low cost and light weight compared to standard solar cells, while retaining high photo-conversion efficiency. We will undertake this project in collaboration with Dr. Peshek at NASA-Glenn who will direct the fabrication and testing of devices. This work is connected to Peshek’s NASA career award through STMD, for which we are designated external collaborators.

Center Mission

Our research, undergraduate, and graduate training and educational outreach programs are carefully designed to mirror NASA MIRO objectives. Our goals include:

  • Enhancing the scientific environment at UC Merced by recruiting and retaining high-caliber faculty and promising graduate students, as well as building facilities for materials science research facilities.

  • Impacting education at UC Merced and beyond by inspiring and training a new generation of STEM workers in a multidisciplinary materials research environment—particularly underrepresented and underprivileged students.

  • Driving research at UC Merced by promoting innovative and collaborative research in functional nanomaterials for energy and sensing for NASA missions and for needs here on Earth.