Wade Braunecker

Wade Braunecker is a Group Research Manager II at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), specializing in materials chemistry and macromolecular engineering. He holds a joint appointment as a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at the Colorado School of Mines since 2019. His research focuses on advanced materials for renewable energy applications, including photovoltaics, hydrogen storage, CO2 capture, and polymeric membranes. Braunecker leads dynamic research teams and has contributed to over 50 publications since 2011, with recent work emphasizing porous frameworks, polymer-functionalized materials, and sustainable energy storage solutions.

Education: PhD in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame. Professional Experience: Postdoctoral roles at NREL (2010–2012) and the University of Colorado Boulder (2008–2009). Current roles include Director of National Lab and Industry Engagement at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Research Interests: Direct air CO2 capture and conversion, hydrogen storage/delivery systems, organic electronics, and macromolecular engineering. His recent publications highlight innovations in porous liquid frameworks, photo-triggered desorption mechanisms, and fluorescent probes for material mobility analysis in CO2 capture systems.

Grants/Advising: Not explicitly detailed in the provided text. Collaborations: Active research networks with institutions globally, focusing on renewable energy materials. Labs/Teams: Leads projects at NREL and collaborates with academic and industrial partners.