Quantum Dot Aerogels and Working Outside of the Box: Prof. Stephanie Brock (#6)

In this third installment of our continuing series “The People Who Reinvented Aerogel”, Prof. Stephanie Brock discusses the exciting world of aerogels made from quantum dots, how these strange new materials could revolutionize solar cells, catalysts, and production of hydrogen from water and sunlight, the value of coming to science from a different perspective, and the importance of working outside “the box”.

Prof. Brock on energy and the potential of aerogels:

“…I think [energy] is really the defining issue of our time, and I think it’s something that we should all really be thinking about. The bottom line is that we have all the capabilities. We can do all of this. We already know how to do all of this. We’ve known how to split water for a long time. What we don’t know how to do is do it economically. We don’t know how to do it efficiently. And we’re not going to figure out how to do that unless we do research on it.”

On the value of doing fundamental research:

“We have the ingenuity and the know-how to answer fundamental questions that I believe will lead to really good products.”

On why many chemists have traditionally disliked disordered materials like aerogels:

“You have to give up some of what you’re willing to know about in order to access the possibilities.”

On newcomers to aerogels:

“I say go for it… When I was young I was always afraid of making mistakes and doing the wrong thing, and now what I say is, [making mistakes] is great–try it, don’t be afraid–give things a chance. If you think these aerogels are interesting, don’t be afraid to follow what’s on the webpage. Don’t be afraid to call up some of the people who are interviewed and ask them questions… they’re not going to hang up on you.”

Podcast #6 – Quantum Dot Aerogels and Working Outside of the Box: Prof. Stephanie Brock

[Duration 43:27, 19.89 MB, Recorded October 16, 2008]