"Development of Soluble donor-acceptor Small Molecules for use in Organic Solar Cells"
Daniel P. Sellan, PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
The University of Texas at Austin
My research is in the area of heat transfer science and engineering, an emerging field that seeks to develop an understanding of energy transport at an atomistic and carrier level [e.g., phonon (lattice vibration), photon, electron, and fluid particle]. I use a combination of atomistic calculations, statistical thermodynamics, traditional heat transfer analysis, and bulk and micro/nanoscale experiments to solve critical problems in energy research.
Abstract: The world is faced with energy challenges with depleting fossil fuel reserves. Although with successful exploitation of shale gas and shale oil, the long-term economic benefits on shale fuels use considering the environmental damage are unknown. Biomass is abundant worldwide and its derived energy is regarded renewable and cost-effective. Additionally, the use of bioenergy from biomass is claimed to be carbon neutral since the biomass has supreme capability to biofixation of CO2. However, the cost of biodiesel production from biomass is high.
Cross Canada Tour Lecture
Sponsored by the Canadian Catalysis Foundation
Abstract: The North American Oil & Gas industry is going through a phase of profound change that has significant implications for Canada with respect to the economy, the workforce. In the first half of my talk will cover the ways in which the industry at large is reacting to these changes, as well as possible implications for further development of the oil sands reserves in Canada and supporting research and development activities.