Our group synthesizes and investigates semiconductors and catalysts, as well as their combinations, for applications in renewable energy conversion. A current emphasis of our research is on the discovery and development of materials and assemblies that are optimized for efficient, selective and robust generation of fuels from sunlight. We use a variety of advanced deposition approaches to precisely control the composition, structure, and phase of materials in order control functional properties of photocatalytic systems. To elucidate photocarrier dynamics and chemical transformations occurring at the interfaces of these materials in reactive environments, we utilize a suite of spectroscopic and microscopic characterization tools. Insights gained from these mechanistic studies are used to develop advanced photochemical conversion systems with improved efficiency and selectivity.