David Fenning

Professor Fenning’s research focuses on engineering materials for renewable energy conversion and storage, especially low-cost photovoltaics, direct photoelectrochemistry, and hybrid photovoltaic-electrochemical systems. Current research includes defect engineering in high-efficiency silicon solar cells, and coupling photovoltaics with electrochemistry for solar-to-fuel water splitting and CO2 reduction. His research emphasizes understanding and parameterizing defect/reaction kinetics and leverages a variety of synchrotron- based X-ray characterization, including in-situ synchrotron-based measurements of semiconductors, catalysts, and electrode interfaces. By developing a thorough understanding of the defects that dictate device performance, Professor Fenning’s research works toward the development of predictive models of material processing that enable accelerated material development and innovation.