Materials Science

NREL's research in materials science accelerates the pace of innovation for next-generation energy materials.

A researcher examines six vials containing different powdered materials.

From foundational science to applied research, we pursue the discovery, co-design, and development of energy materials. We work closely with industry partners to ensure our research will deliver abundant energy.

Materials Physics

Understanding and controlling fundamental electronic and optical processes in photovoltaic and solid-state lighting semiconductors

Electronic Structure Theory

Applying high-performance computing to understand atomistic-level material behavior and design and discover materials for energy applications

Analytical Microscopy and Imaging Science

Using microscopic techniques to measure chemical, structural, electrical, and other properties—from the macro to the atomic scale

Interfacial and Surface Science

Determining the chemical, elemental, and molecular composition as well as the electronic structure of surfaces and critical interfaces

Materials Discovery

Pursuing inorganic solid-state material innovation through a high-throughput combinatorial approach and targeted experiments

Thin-Film Materials Science and Processing

Using thin films to create and enable technologically useful applications such as thin-film photovoltaics

Reliability and System Performance

Testing modules and systems for long-term performance to improve photovoltaic reliability and develop better international standards

Kirstin Alberi is the director of the Materials Science Center. The center is part of the Materials, Chemical, and Computational Science directorate, led by Associate Laboratory Director Bill Tumas.