Solar energy research is inherently interdisciplinary, involving inorganic and organic synthesis, solid state chemistry and physics, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics and mechanism, and theoretical and computational chemistry. In addition, it involves concepts of homogeneous and interfacial chemistry between solids, liquids, and gases.

Investigators in the CCI will focus on the development of a three-component solar water splitting system. The components are: (i) a membrane-supported assembly that captures sunlight and efficiently creates separated electrons and holes having sufficient chemical potential to drive the water-splitting reactions; (ii) a two-electron catalyst to facilitate reduction of water to H₂ at the cathode; and (iii) a four-electron catalyst for water oxidation to O₂ at the anode.

Using novel nano- and micro- semiconductor structures, CCI-Solar Investigators will develop membranes capable of both efficient charge separation and proton management functions. Researchers with expertise in chemical synthesis and mechanistic chemistry will design new catalysts that can accept the holes and electrons from the photovoltaic membrane and convert them into O₂ and H₂.