Technical details of these research topics focus on light - induced electron transfer reactions, both at surfaces and in transition - metal complexes, surface chemistry and photochemistry of
semiconductor / liquid interfaces, novel uses of
conducting organic polymers and polymer / conductor composites, and development of sensor arrays that use pattern recognition algorithms to identify odorants, mimicking the mammalian olfaction process.
A cheaper approach involves using
organic semiconductors — basically, plastics that
conduct electricity — to make solar cells, Chan says.