Dr. Prashant Kamat is a distinguished physical chemist renowned for his transformative contributions to energy conversion and nanomaterials science. He currently holds the prestigious position of Rev. John A. Zahm Professor of Science at the University of Notre Dame, with concurrent appointments in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Radiation Laboratory, and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Dr. Kamat earned his B.S. from Karnatak University in 1972, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physical Chemistry from Bombay University in 1974 and 1979, respectively. Since joining Notre Dame in 1983, he has established himself as a leading authority in photoelectrochemistry and solar energy conversion, progressing from Professional Specialist to his current distinguished professorship.
Dr. Kamat's pioneering research has fundamentally advanced the understanding of charge transfer processes in nanostructured materials, particularly in the development of quantum dot solar cells and perovskite photovoltaics. His elucidation of excited state dynamics and interfacial electron transfer mechanisms has provided critical insights for improving the efficiency of light harvesting assemblies. His work on metal halide perovskite nanocrystals and semiconductor quantum dots has established foundational principles that guide current research in next-generation solar technologies. The practical impact of his discoveries extends to photocatalysis for solar fuel generation, where his investigations of semiconductor-metal interfaces and co-catalyst design have significantly enhanced hydrogen production efficiency.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Kamat received the prestigious Henry H. Storch Award in Energy Chemistry at the ACS Spring 2024 meeting for his fundamental research addressing global energy challenges. As the leader of a vibrant research group, he has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to make significant contributions across academia and industry. His laboratory continues to push boundaries with cutting-edge research on 2D/3D perovskite architectures and upconversion of solar energy, addressing critical stability and efficiency challenges. Dr. Kamat's visionary work remains at the forefront of sustainable energy research, with his ongoing investigations poised to deliver even more efficient and stable photovoltaic technologies for future implementation.
