Ralph G. Nuzzo

Ralph G. Nuzzo is the G. L. Clark Professor of Chemistry at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he also holds a Professorship in Materials Science and Engineering. He is an affiliated faculty member at KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) and a Visiting Associate in Applied Physics at Caltech. His research focuses on materials chemistry, nanotechnology, energy conversion, and bioanalytical systems. Notable contributions include advancements in photovoltaic systems, catalytic materials, and flexible electronics.

Education: AB in Chemistry (Rutgers, 1976); PhD in Organic Chemistry (MIT, 1980). Career: Bell Labs (1980–1991), UIUC faculty since 1991. Awards: Adamson Award (ACS, 2003), Humboldt Research Award (2011), IEEE George E. Smith Award (2008). Leadership: Director of the DOE Light-Materials Interactions in Energy Conversion EFRC.

Research Themes:

• Micro/Nano-scale fabrication for energy systems (e.g., luminescent solar concentrators)
• Catalytic transformations on supported nanoparticles
• Biocompatible materials for wearable biosensors
• Advanced battery materials and electrochemical systems

Publications: Over 200+ peer-reviewed articles, with recent emphasis on 4D printing, flexible electronics, and catalytic mechanisms. Collaborations span academia and industry, including co-founding Semprius (high-performance photovoltaics).

Labs/Teams: Nuzzo Research Group at UIUC, KTH collaborations, and leadership in the LMI EFRC. Current projects include autonomous light management systems and bio-inspired soft materials.