The Generate Pillar
The Trienens Institute Generate pillar aims to develop a new class of solar energy production with high-efficiency, stable solar cell materials to power the next generation.
Decarbonization research and innovation are central to the work of the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy. Together, the Trienens Institute Pillars of Decarbonization are building a suite of complementary solutions for a vibrant, sustainable future. Northwestern researchers, who are global leaders in their fields, are guiding diverse teams of experts to progress in this urgent mission.
Why do we need solar energy?
Since 1980, worldwide electricity consumption has more than tripled to meet the needs of the of over eight billion people who now inhabit the planet. Growing with the global population are demands for energy sources that deplete natural resources, create carbon emissions, and contribute to climate change. And while new development and technology continues to raise global energy demands, scientists and engineers are refining the process of capturing the most abundant natural energy source: the sun.
What role does solar play in the energy transition?
The original source of renewable energy, solar is a critical part of the clean energy portfolio as it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants. With multi-decade lifespans, solar panels have a minimal carbon footprint and are made from materials like aluminum, glass, silicon, and other increasingly recyclable materials.
Solar energy is already part of the national landscape—spanning acres of farmland and city rooftops. But generating enough energy to shift towards solar as a main power source will require a new generation of technology that is affordable, accessible, reliable, and resilient in harsh environments.
The Northwestern Solution
With a history of cutting-edge solar cell innovation, Northwestern researchers are leading the charge to innovate and develop increasingly efficient and reliable technologies. The Generate pillar aims to develop a new class of solar energy production and to secure funding to advance the efficiency and stability of solar cell materials. The pillar is bringing together laboratories from across the university to earn this support and continue to build on the solar energy legacy at Northwestern.
The Experts
Mercouri Kanatzidis, Generate Pillar Co-Chair
Mercouri Kanatzidis
Generate Pillar Co-Chair
Chair and Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor in Chemistry
Mercouri Kanatzidis is a distinguished chemist and materials scientist, currently serving as the Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University. He is also a Senior Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory. Kanatzidis made transformative contributions to materials chemistry, particularly in the development of halide perovskites and chalcogenides. His pioneering work has advanced the synthesis and understanding of halide perovskites, enabling breakthroughs in their structural, optoelectronic, and stability properties. These efforts have driven remarkable progress in perovskite-based solar cells and optoelectronic devices. Throughout his career, Kanatzidis has published over 1,655 manuscripts and holds more than 60 patents. He has mentored over 90 Ph.D. students and nearly 130 postdoctoral fellows, with many alumni holding academic positions worldwide. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the ENI Award for Renewable Energy, the ACS Award in Inorganic Chemistry, the ACS Award in the Chemistry of Materials, the RSC Centenary Prize and the Global Energy Prize.
Dayne Swearer, Generate Pillar Co-Chair
Dayne Swearer
Generate Pillar Co-Chair
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Professor Dayne Swearer is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Chemical & Biological Engineering at Northwestern. He is also a NAISE Fellow in the Center for Nanoscale Materials at Argonne National Labs. Dayne is an expert in nanotechnology and nanophotonics specializing in advanced materials for energy conversion and environmental sustainability. At Northwestern, his research focuses on photocatalysis, nanomaterial synthesis, and catalytic systems for decarbonization using advances in resonant light-matter interactions and nonthermal charge carriers. Dayne’s early career contributions have been recognized with a Packard Fellowship in Science and Engineering, an Explorer Fellowship from Breakthrough Energy Foundation, the 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award, and the Hershel M. Rich Invention Award.
Bin Chen
Bin Chen
Research Assistant Professor, Sargent Group
Generate Pillar Representative,
Trienens Research Implementation Committee (TRIC) Chair
bin.chen@northwestern.edu
Charles Musgrave
Charles Musgrave
Kreamer CleanTech Innovation Fellow,
Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy
Postdoctoral Scholar, Sargent Group
charles.musgrave@northwestern.edu
Current Projects
LEARN MOREIn the News
Advance in perovskite solar cells improves efficiency, durability
Durability improvements to perovskite solar cells bring them closer to commercialization | FULL STORY >Stability of perovskite solar cells tripled with protective coating
Newly developed coated cells deliver solar power conversion efficiency at groundbreaking rate | FULL STORY >New chemical method stabilizes tin-containing perovskites
Researchers added diamine to remove extra tin from the perovskite surface and form a stable barrier layer | FULL STORY >Researchers take a step closer to better, more affordable solar cells
Innovative technique leads to perovskite-based solar cells with record-breaking efficiency | FULL STORY >
How can I support the development of next generation solar technology?
Consider making a gift in support of the Institute. For industry professionals and other leaders who wish to go deeper, consider corporate partnership opportunities. For broader impact, consider joining the Trienens Institute Executive Council.