Francesca M. Toma

Research

Education

Interdisciplinary research for sustainable development, focused on materials and coastal research.

A high-resolution scanning probe technique for mapping surface potentials and local electronic properties of materials, particularly semiconductors and catalysts.

A process being researched to replicate natural photosynthesis for the production of alternative fuels like hydrogen. It aims to give alternative fuels the strength needed to break the world's reliance on fossil fuels.

A material combination used in the artificial photosynthesis device that exhibits unusual self-improving properties for solar hydrogen production. The material becomes more efficient and stable over time rather than degrading.

California

Germany

Michigan

A device made from silicon and gallium nitride that replicates photosynthesis to convert sunlight and water into carbon-free hydrogen. The device exhibits self-improving efficiency and stability properties.