Welcome to the Solar Energy Conversion and Spectroscopy Group (SolarSpec)

We are located at The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus in beautiful Kelowna, BC, Canada.

Check out this video for an overview of our recent ChemComm review article (and journal cover):

The group aims to make impactful contributions to worldwide efforts in developing affordable clean energy. Our main focus is understanding the photophysical and photochemical processes that dictate efficiency in solar fuel producing systems. Our advanced time-resolved optical spectroscopy techniques give us the insights necessary to understand the influence of key physical and chemical parameters, and optimize material synthesis with strong rational. Taking inspiration from natural photosynthesis, we develop low-cost semiconductors (e.g. carbon nitrides) to produce the hydrogen as a chemical fuel from water and sunlight. This artificial photosynthetic process – photocatalytic water splitting – offers a way to harness solar energy in chemical bonds, making storage and handling simpler than for traditional photovoltaic solar cells. Our fundamental and applied studies also lead us to explore new methods for the sequestration and valorization of CO2.

Go deeper!

What to learn more about what we do? Check out the Research page, or view our Publications. You can also check out this video of Robert talking about starting out his science career.

Get in touch!

Interested in joining the team? Take a look at the available Opportunities. Interested in collaborating or curious about something, go ahead and Contact Us.