Robert J. Hamers

Wisconsin Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Steenbock Professor of Physical Science

College of Letters & Sciences

​Robert Hamers' research lies at the intersection of chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology. Hamers and his group are interested in developing and exploiting new types of surface chemistry to create and improve next-generation devices for renewable energy, and are interested in understanding the potential environmental and health effects associated with nanomaterials. The majority of their current work addresses surface chemistry issues relevant to renewable energy and/or nanotechnology and couples state-of-the-art surface chemistry with the electrochemical and/or photo-electrochemical properties of materials. Hamers is the co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Silatronix, Inc., and the Director of the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology.

  • Chemistry, photochemistry, electronic properties, and atomic-level structure of semiconductor surfaces and interfaces
  • Chemical transformations and environmental impact of nanomaterials
  • Development and implementation of novel analytical probes and characterization tools for in situ chemical analysis at surfaces and interfaces
  • Electrochemical energy storage