Quantum Dot Aerogels Could Revolutionize Energy Production

This week on “The Critical Point” is the third installment of our continuing series “The People Who Reinvented Aerogel” featuring Prof. Stephanie Brock from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.  In this episode, Prof. Brock discusses the exciting world of aerogels made from quantum dots (also called “metal chalcogenide aerogels” or “chalcogels”) and how these strange new materials could revolutionize solar cells, catalysts, and production of hydrogen from water and sunlight.  Listen to it here.

Prof. Brock, who started out as a French major in college, also talks about the value of coming to science from a different perspective and the importance of working outside “the box”.

Quantum dot aerogels, discovered by Prof. Stephanie Brock, may change the way we think about energy production in the future (image courtesy Prof. Stephanie Brock)