Professor Dr. Richard Robinson

Biography

Professor Robinson’s research focuses on nanostructured materials for alternative energy applications. He aims to utilize the advanced properties of nanomaterials to build efficient thermoelectrics and fuel cells by altering the size, shape, and composition of particles to tune properties relevant for applications such as band gap and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, he conducts studies on metal oxide nanomaterials used in various energy applications, emphasizing charge transport. His research projects include colloidal synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles, doping nanoparticles to control electronic and thermal properties, synthesizing new organometallic precursors for nanoparticles, and in situ studies of particle nucleation and growth. Robinson’s work relies on solvothermal and air-free techniques, employing various organometallic precursors and surfactant groups to control the composition and growth rate of nanoparticles. The ultimate goal is to structure efficient materials specifically for thermoelectric and fuel cell applications. His advanced studies extend to developing a monochromatic phonon source for phonon spectrometry, covering fundamental research areas such as nanoparticle growth and nucleation, ion intercalation, and surface ligand chemistry.

Research Interests

Awards