We research and develop higher-performance and lower-cost materials and devices for energy generation, storage and conversion. Our target industries are electric vehicles, microgrids, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, wearable power devices, and more.
UC San Diego's world-renowned microgrid serves as a real-world test-bed for our work, which is rooted in thoughtful analyses of the economics of distributed energy.
At every point along the way, we train and mentor our students to become tomorrow’s workforce for green and advanced energy.
SPEC News from the Jacobs School
Watching atoms move in hybrid perovskite crystals reveals clues to improving solar cells
November 21, 2017
The discovery of nanoscale changes deep inside hybrid perovskites could shed light on developing low-cost, high-efficiency solar cells. Using X-ray beams and lasers, a team of researchers led by the University of California San Diego discovered how the movement of ions in hybrid perovskites causes certain regions within the material to become better solar cells than other parts. Full Story
Shirley Meng featured on ECS podcast
October 23, 2017
NanoEngineering professor and SPEC Director Shirley Meng is featured in an in-depth interview on the Electrochemical Society (ECS) podcast. Full Story
Real-world challenges inform our fundamental research. The Sustainable Power and Energy Center works closely with industry partners.
Learn More
UC San Diego's world-renowned microgrid serves as a real-world test-bed for our work, which is rooted in thoughtful analyses of the economics of distributed energy.