The Brgoch group focuses on employing experiment and computation to investigate complex chemical and physical phenomena in materials chemistry. Our research tools include synthetic solid-state chemistry, crystallography, physical property measurements, and density functional theory. Approaching problems using all of these techniques allows an unparalleled capability in the exploration functional inorganic materials.

Projects in the group focus on: (i) identifying materials with desirable mechanical properties, such as superhardness, that is critical for the gas and oil industry; (ii) understanding the chemistry of (formally) anionic transition metals as potential heterogeneous catalysts; and (iii) developing novel phosphors for application in solid-state white lighting. Together, these research thrusts will expand our fundamental understanding of the relationships among structure, composition, and properties of advanced inorganic materials, while at the same time developing methods to target specific materials properties for future applications.