NREL provides fundamental and applied materials science discovery and problem-solving for current and next-generation renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies.
State-of-the-art advances in materials science come from a combination of experiments and computations. The image shows modeled electronic density of states (top panel) of the experimentally observed amorphous/crystalline interface (bottom panel). Note the electronic states that appear in the bandgap of the narrow-gap crystalline semiconductors (left and right sides of the image) when it is placed in contact with the wide-bandgap amorphous material (middle of image).
We're a recognized leader in creating new knowledge and accelerating the industrial impact of materials science research to support the nation's energy and environmental goals.
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.
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Last Updated Jan. 7, 2025