Overview
The Hillhouse Group's research interests and expertise lie at the nexus of nanomaterials, energy conversion, and environmental challenges. Within the realm of molecular and nanoscale science many new molecules, materials, and device architectures can be envisioned that may be able to address energy harvesting, utilization, and storage challenges, along with the environmental issues that modern society has created. We focus on developing the scientific understanding of the fundamental physical and chemical processes involved and the engineering necessary to develop economic and sustainable solutions. Research efforts within the group span the range from fundamental studies of molecular complexation, nanocrystal nucleation and growth, semiconductor film formation, defect chemistry, photoluminescence, electrochemistry, and photoelectrochemistry to fabrication, characterization, and testing of improved photovoltaic and electrochemical devices.
The Hillhouse Laboratory is located in the center of campus at the University of Washington is in Seattle, just six miles from downtown, and nestled on the shores of Portage Bay and Union Bay off of Lake Washington. The Burke-Gilman Trail, which is a 27 mile long paved biking and jogging trail, runs right through campus providing excellent access to surrounding neighborhoods. The Seattle area is home to the headquarters or major manufacturing facilities for Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, Weyerhaeuser, R.E.I, Outdoor Research, ZymoGenetics, and a large number of smaller biotech, software, and internet-based companies.
In addition to the rich cultural environment of Seattle (much more than just great coffee and a vibrant independent music scene), the University is less that three hours striking distance from some of the best hiking in the world in North Cascades National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and the San Juan Islands. Given its temperate climate (mild winters and mild summers) and its proximity to such natural beauty, the entire area is a mecca for outdoor activities including cycling, jogging, backpacking, fishing, kayaking, sailing, water skiing, and snow skiing/boarding. The photo above is of Mt. Rainier taken from Crystal Mountain Ski Resort. For a little more information on the department, University and the area, please see UW ChemE and Seattle at a Glance.
