Submitted March 26, 2012 4:02PM

NIU Professor Tao Xu, who has developed a promising nanoscience research program in solar energy conversion, is getting a grant from the National Science Foundation. NSF has awarded the chemistry and biochemistry professor, who lives in west suburban Lisle, with a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development grant of $400,000 over the next five years in support of his research and teaching efforts. | Submitted by NIU

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Updated: March 26, 2012 4:02PM

NIU Professor Tao Xu, who has developed a promising nanoscience research program in solar energy conversion, is getting a big boost from the National Science Foundation.

NSF has awarded the chemistry and biochemistry professor with a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) grant of $400,000 over the next five years in support of his research and teaching efforts.

CAREER awards support junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research.

This award is a tribute to the quality and productivity of Dr. Xu and his research group, said Jon Carnahan, chair of the department of chemistry and biochemistry. Were very proud of Taos accomplishment.

Xu, of Lisle, also is affiliated with NIUs Institute for Nano Science, Engineering, and Technology. His research group is working to develop potential solar cells of the future.

Because of environmental concerns related to nuclear and fossil-fuel-based energy, people are demanding clean alternative energies that can help build up our power grids, Xu said. Solar cells are quite safe, but we need to enhance their overall efficiency and affordability. To accomplish this, our group is trying to gain a better understanding of the fundamental processes at work in solar cells.

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NIU chemistry professor receives grant from National Science Foundation