Welcome to the webpages of the Padture research group within the School of Engineering (Materials Science) at Brown University. Our research is primarily experimental, and it focuses on advanced ceramics, nanomaterials, and thin films for applications ranging from solar photovoltaics to jet engines for renewable energy and energy efficiency. Specific current topics include:
- Science and engineering of halide perovskites and solar cells: synthesis and processing; characterization; properties (electrical, optical, optoelectronic, mechanical); device fabrication; testing and evaluation; stability; durability; and reliability.
- Science and engineering of high-temperature advanced ceramic coatings resistant to environmental degradation, for high-efficiency gas-turbine engines for electricity generation and aircraft propulsion.
- Fundamental studies of the mechanical behavior of nanocomposites of advanced ceramics and carbon nanostructures (nanotubes, graphene).
Current research is funded by the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, and the Department of Energy.
