Ted Sargent

Ted Sargent is the Lynn Hopton Davis and Greg Davis Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering. He co-directs the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy. His research focuses on materials chemistry, renewable energy systems, and advanced optoelectronics. Key areas include CO₂ utilization, perovskite solar cells, and infrared photodetection. Sargent leverages computational tools and AI/ML to innovate in material design and device optimization.

His work spans three core missions: developing CO₂-recycling fuels, advancing high-efficiency photovoltaics (including perovskite tandems), and creating ultra-sensitive infrared sensors. Collaborative projects address challenges in electrocatalysis, quantum dot engineering, and sustainable energy systems. Over 50 peer-reviewed publications since 2022 demonstrate his team's impact in Nature, Science, and high-impact journals. Research is supported by interdisciplinary partnerships across academia and industry.

• CO₂ electrocatalysis innovations improve tolerance and selectivity
• Perovskite solar cell advances achieve record efficiencies
• Quantum dot materials enable sub-millimeter LiDAR systems

Current initiatives emphasize scalability of lab innovations toward commercial applications, with particular focus on energy systems and sensing technologies.