Prashant Kamat, Rev. John A. Zahm Professor of Science in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, has been selected as a 2025 Pioneer in Energy Research (PIER) by Energy & Fuels. This honor, awarded since 2021, recognizes scientists who have made substantial fundamental contributions in energy research. A special issue of Energy & Fuels published in Kamat’s honor can be found here.
Prof. Kamat’s research focuses on solar energy and fuels, developing fundamental understanding of light-induced charge-transfer processes in quantum-confined semiconductors and other hybrid materials. His pioneering work on the design of nanostructured materials for energy conversion and storage using hybrid assemblies laid the groundwork for understanding the interfacial charge transfer processes in quantum dot and perovskite solar cells. He is a prominent figure in advancing the understanding of photodynamics and photochemical processes in semiconductor nanomaterials, particularly dye-sensitized and quantum dot-sensitized wide-band semiconductors. Kamat has also explored the utilization of carbon nanotubes and graphene-based assemblies to improve efficiencies in solar and fuel cells.
Prof. Kamat has published over 500 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters that have garnered over 91,000 citations, resulting in him being named to Clarivate Analytics “Most Cited Researchers” list from 2014-2023. He has also been recognized with numerous awards, including the Henry H. Storch Award in Energy Chemistry, the Porter Medal, and the Richard E. Smalley Research Award. He is a member of the American Academy of Sciences and Letters, a Fellow of the Materials Research Society, the American Chemical Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and The Electrochemical Society. Prof. Kamat also serves as Editor-in-Chief of ACS Energy Letters.
Originally published by at chemistry.nd.edu on January 30, 2026.