Nico Hotz | Scholars@Duke

Nico Hotz
Associate Professor of the Practice in the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science

Nico Hotz specializes in interfacial transport phenomena and thermodynamics in energy technology. His research focuses on heat, mass, and charge transfer on nano-scale surfaces for solar thermal applications, catalytic fuel reforming, hydrogen generation, fuel cells, and electrolysis.

Current Research Interests

Interfacial transport phenomena and thermodynamics in energy technology, including phenomena at the micro- and nanoscale. Thermodynamics aspects of photovoltaics, novel sustainable energy conversion technologies, and chemical reactions are an essential part of my research. My main focus in research is the combination of ideas, insights and results from traditional energy technology such as thermal power plants with novel and innovative technologies such a fuel cells and photovoltaic cells based on micro- and nanostructured materials. An essential topi of my research interests is the energetic and exergetic analysis of complex energy conversion and storage systems, especially including renewable and sustainable energy solutions.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Associate Professor of the Practice in the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Pratt School of Engineering 2019
Faculty Network Member of The Energy Initiative, Duke University Energy Initiative, Initiatives 2012
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society, Duke Science & Society, Initiatives 2018

Contact Information

303 Hudson Hall, Mems Department, Durham, NC 27708
303 Hudson Hall, Mems Department, Durham, NC 27708-0300
nico.hotz@duke.edu (919) 660-5118
http://www.duke.edu/~nh66/

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Ph.D., Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Switzerland) 2008
Duke Appointment History
- Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Pratt School of Engineering 2017 - 2019
- Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Pratt School of Engineering 2010 - 2016
Recognition
In the News
- APR 28, 2017
  
  Energy Initiative Awards Seven New Seed Grants
- APR 16, 2014
  
  Energy Initiative Provides First Round of Research Seed Funding
- FEB 10, 2014 Duke Research Blog
  
  Duke Labs Produce 2 Intel Talent Search Finalists
- MAY 21, 2013
  
  New Method for Producing Clean Hydrogen
Awards & Honors
Research
Selected Grants
- Novel Flexible Quantum Dot Solar Cell for Space Applications awarded by Space Grant 2013 - 2014
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Myers, Taylor, Lars Schoebitz, Stuart Woolley, Jaime Sanchez Ferragut, Jimmy Thostenson, Kathy Jooss, Jeffery Piascik, et al. “Towards an off-grid fecal sludge treatment unit: demonstrating energy positive thermal treatment.” Gates Open Research 3 (January 2019): 1176. https://doi.org/10.12688/gatesopenres.12929.1.
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  - Real, D., I. Dumanyan, and N. Hotz. “Renewable hydrogen production by solar-powered methanol reforming.” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 41, no. 28 (July 27, 2016): 11914–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.02.086.
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  - Lim, E. O., T. Visutipol, A. Schicho, W. Peng, and N. Hotz. “Flame-made nanoparticles for catalytic methanol steam reforming,” 2015.
  - Peng, W., I. Dumanyan, E. Lim, and N. Hotz. “In-situ fabrication of a porous nano-catalyst methanol steam reformer for H2 production,” 2015.
  - Real, D., I. Dumanyan, and N. Hotz. “Hydrogen production by solar-powered methanol reforming,” 2015.
  - Schicho, A., and N. Hotz. “High-pressure electrolyzer for efficient energy generation,” 2015.
  - Shodiya, T., J. Barnes, G. Xiong, I. Dumanyan, H. Ngo, A. Fales, T. VoDinh, and N. Hotz. “Plasmon-assisted photothermal catalytic reactor for hydrogen generation.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of Usa, 2015.
  - Real, D., R. Johnston, J. Lauer, A. Schicho, and N. Hotz. “Novel non-concentrating solar collector for intermediate-temperature energy capture.” Solar Energy 108 (January 1, 2014): 421–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2014.07.014.
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  - Shodiya, T., O. Schmidt, W. Peng, and N. Hotz. “Novel nano-scale Au/α-Fe2O3 catalyst for the preferential oxidation of CO in biofuel reformate gas.” Journal of Catalysis 300 (April 1, 2013): 63–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2012.12.027.
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  - Hotz, N. “Hybrid solar system for decentralized electric power generation and storage.” Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Transactions of the Asme 134, no. 4 (October 8, 2012). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4007356.
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  - Kullmann, C., N. C. Schirmer, M. T. Lee, S. H. Ko, N. Hotz, C. P. Grigoropoulos, and D. Poulikakos. “3D micro-structures by piezoelectric inkjet printing of gold nanofluids.” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering 22, no. 5 (May 1, 2012). https://doi.org/10.1088/0960-1317/22/5/055022.
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  - Ko, Seung Hwan, Daeho Lee, Nico Hotz, Junyeob Yeo, Sukjoon Hong, Koo Hyun Nam, and Costas P. Grigoropoulos. “Digital selective growth of ZnO nanowire arrays from inkjet-printed nanoparticle seeds on a flexible substrate.” Langmuir : The Acs Journal of Surfaces and Colloids 28, no. 10 (March 2012): 4787–92. https://doi.org/10.1021/la203781x.
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  - Yeo, Junyeob, Sukjoon Hong, Daehoo Lee, Nico Hotz, Ming-Tsang Lee, Costas P. Grigoropoulos, and Seung Hwan Ko. “Next generation non-vacuum, maskless, low temperature nanoparticle ink laser digital direct metal patterning for a large area flexible electronics.” Plos One 7, no. 8 (January 2012): e42315. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0042315.
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  - Von Rickenbach, J., M. Nabavi, I. Zinovik, N. Hotz, and D. Poulikakos. “A detailed surface reaction model for syngas production from butane over Rhodium catalyst.” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 36, no. 19 (September 1, 2011): 12238–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.06.127.
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  - Ko, S. H., J. Chung, N. Hotz, K. H. Nam, and C. P. Grigoropoulos. “Metal nanoparticle direct inkjet printing for low-temperature 3D micro metal structure fabrication.” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering 20, no. 12 (December 1, 2010). https://doi.org/10.1088/0960-1317/20/12/125010.
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  - Weinmueller, C., G. Tautschnig, N. Hotz, and D. Poulikakos. “A flexible direct methanol micro-fuel cell based on a metalized, photosensitive polymer film.” Journal of Power Sources 195, no. 12 (June 15, 2010): 3849–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2009.12.092.
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  - Hotz, N., R. Zimmerman, C. Weinmueller, M. T. Lee, C. P. Grigoropoulos, G. Rosengarten, and D. Poulikakos. “Exergetic analysis and optimization of a solar-powered reformed methanol fuel cell micro-powerplant.” Journal of Power Sources 195, no. 6 (March 15, 2010): 1676–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2009.09.055.
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  - Lee, M. T., M. Werhahn, D. J. Hwang, N. Hotz, R. Greif, D. Poulikakos, and C. P. Grigoropoulos. “Hydrogen production with a solar steam-methanol reformer and colloid nanocatalyst.” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 35, no. 1 (January 1, 2010): 118–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2009.10.083.
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  - Raberger, N. B., M. J. Stutz, N. Hotz, and D. Poulikakos. “Simulation of the postcombustor for the treatment of toxic and flammable exhaust gases of a micro-solid oxide fuel cell.” Journal of Fuel Cell Science and Technology 6, no. 4 (November 1, 2009): 0410021–211. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3080812.
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  - Weinmueller, C., N. Hotz, A. Mueller, and D. Poulikakos. “On two-phase flow patterns and transition criteria in aqueous methanol and CO2 mixtures in adiabatic, rectangular microchannels.” International Journal of Multiphase Flow 35, no. 8 (August 1, 2009): 760–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2009.03.010.
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  - Schirmer, N. C., T. Schwamb, B. R. Burg, N. Hotz, and D. Poulikakos. “Controlled free-form fabrication of nanowires by dielectrophoretic dispension of colloids.” Applied Physics Letters 95, no. 3 (July 31, 2009). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3186789.
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  - Hotz, N., N. Koc, T. Schwamb, N. Schirmer, and D. Poulikakos. “Catalytic porous ceramic prepared in-situ by sol-gelation for butane-to-syngas processing in microreactors.” Aiche Journal 55, no. 7 (July 1, 2009): 1849–59. https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.11831.
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  - Hotz, N., N. Osterwalder, W. J. Stark, N. R. Bieri, and D. Poulikakos. “Disk-shaped packed bed micro-reactor for butane-to-syngas processing.” Chemical Engineering Science 63, no. 21 (November 1, 2008): 5193–5201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2008.06.024.
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  - Bieberle-Hütter, A., D. Beckel, A. Infortuna, U. P. Muecke, J. L. M. Rupp, L. J. Gauckler, S. Rey-Mermet, et al. “A micro-solid oxide fuel cell system as battery replacement.” Journal of Power Sources 177, no. 1 (February 15, 2008): 123–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2007.10.092.
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  - Hotz, N., M. J. Stutz, S. Loher, W. J. Stark, and D. Poulikakos. “Syngas production from butane using a flame-made Rh/Ce0.5Zr0.5O2 catalyst.” Applied Catalysis B: Environmental 73, no. 3 (May 11, 2007): 336–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2007.01.001.
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  - Hotz, N., S. M. Senn, and D. Poulikakos. “Exergy analysis of a solid oxide fuel cell micropowerplant.” Journal of Power Sources 158, no. 1 (July 14, 2006): 333–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2005.09.023.
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  - Hotz, N., M. T. Lee, C. P. Grigoropoulos, S. M. Senn, and D. Poulikakos. “Exergetic analysis of fuel cell micropowerplants fed by methanol.” International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 49, no. 15–16 (July 1, 2006): 2397–2411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2006.03.007.
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  - Stutz, M. J., N. Hotz, and D. Poulikakos. “Optimization of methane reforming in a microreactor-effects of catalyst loading and geometry.” Chemical Engineering Science 61, no. 12 (June 1, 2006): 4027–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2006.01.035.
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  - Hotz, Nico. “Producing hydrogen on the rooftop from sunlight and biofuel.” Spie Newsroom, n.d. https://doi.org/10.1117/2.1201110.003907.
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  - Shodiya, T., D. Real, K. McFadded, A. Schmidt, G. J. Lee, T. Conlon, and N. Hotz. “CO preferential oxidation reactor integrated into PEM fuel cell system,” n.d.
- Book Sections
  - Hotz, N. “Hierarchical nanostructures for fuel cells and fuel reforming,” 2015-January:84–106, 2015.
- Conference Papers
  - Hotz, N., A. K. Mohanty, and M. Misra. “Investigating operating conditions and mechanical performance of co-injected polylactic acid and polycaprolactone.” In Annual Technical Conference Antec, Conference Proceedings, 2015.
  - Lim, E., T. Visutipol, W. Peng, and N. Hotz. “Flame-made CuO/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst for methanol steam reforming.” In Asme 2013 7th Int. Conf. on Energy Sustainability Collocated With the Asme 2013 Heat Transfer Summer Conf. and the Asme 2013 11th Int. Conf. on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, Es 2013, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1115/ES2013-18388.
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  - Real, D., and N. Hotz. “Novel non-concentrated solar collector for solar-powered chemical reactions.” In Asme 2013 7th Int. Conf. on Energy Sustainability Collocated With the Asme 2013 Heat Transfer Summer Conf. and the Asme 2013 11th Int. Conf. on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, Es 2013, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1115/ES2013-18382.
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  - Shodiya, T., W. Peng, and N. Hotz. “Novel nano-scale Au/α-Fe2O3 catalyst for the preferential oxidation of CO in biofuel reformate gas.” In Asme 2013 7th Int. Conf. on Energy Sustainability Collocated With the Asme 2013 Heat Transfer Summer Conf. and the Asme 2013 11th Int. Conf. on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, Es 2013, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1115/ES2013-18387.
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  - Hotz, N. “Non-concentrated solar collector for solarthermal chemical reactions.” In Asme International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (Imece), Vol. 6 A, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2013-65433.
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  - Hotz, N. “Flame-made catalyst for bio-methanol steam reforming.” In Asme International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (Imece), Vol. 6 A, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2013-65425.
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  - Hotz, N. “Nano-structured catalytic material for solar-powered biofuel reforming.” In Asme International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (Imece), 6:1239–45, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2012-89729.
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  - Real, Daniel J., Carlo Studtmann, and Nico Hotz. “Hydrogen production from biofuel under sunlight: A hybrid approach.” In Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 244, 2012.
    Link to Item
  - Hotz, Nico. “Hydrogen production from biofuel under sunlight: A hybrid approach.” In Abstracts of Papers of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 243. AMER CHEMICAL SOC, 2012.
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  - Hotz, N. “Micro- and nano-structured catalytic reactor for biofuel reforming in a solar collector.” In Asme 2012 6th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, Es 2012, Collocated With the Asme 2012 10th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology, 885–90, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1115/ES2012-91338.
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  - Hotz, N. “Solar-powered reformed methanol fuel cell system.” In Asme 2012 10th International Conference on Fuel Cell Science, Engineering and Technology Collocated With the Asme 2012 6th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, Fuelcell 2012, 81–89, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1115/FuelCell2012-91340.
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  - Hotz, N. “Hybrid solar system for stationary electric power generation.” In 40th Ases National Solar Conference 2011, Solar 2011, 1:505–12, 2011.
  - Hotz, N. “Novel porous composite material containing catalytic nanoparticles for hydrogen production from biofuel.” In Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings, 1405:121–26, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1557/opl.2012.191.
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  - Hotz, N. “Hybrid solar system for stationary electric power generation.” In Asme 2011 5th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, Es 2011, 1631–40, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1115/ES2011-54389.
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  - Hotz, N. “Porous media for catalytic renewable energy conversion.” In Aip Conference Proceedings, 1453:57–62, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4711153.
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  - Hotz, N., H. Pan, C. P. Grigoropoulos, and S. H. Ko. “Exergetic analysis of solar-powered hybrid energy conversion and storage scenarios for stationary applications.” In Asme 2010 4th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, Es 2010, 1:879–88, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1115/ES2010-90255.
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  - Hotz, N., M. T. Lee, C. P. Grigoropoulos, R. Zimmerman, G. Rosengarten, and D. Poulikakos. “Exergetic analysis of a solar-heated fuel cell system fed by methanol.” In Asme 2010 4th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, Es 2010, 1:233–40, 2010. https://doi.org/10.1115/ES2010-90252.
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  - Ko, S. H., H. Pan, N. Hotz, and C. P. Grigoropoulos. “Large area flexible electronics fabrication by selective laser sintering of nanoparticles with a scanning mirror.” In Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings, 1196:7–12, 2010.
  - Ko, S. H., H. Pan, N. Hotz, J. Yeo, and C. P. Grigoropoulos. “Nanoparticle selective laser sintering for large area flexible electronics fabrication with a scanning mirror.” In 4th Pacific International Conference on Applications of Lasers and Optics, Picalo 2010, 2010.
  - Ko, S. H., H. Pan, N. Hotz, J. Yeo, and C. P. Grigoropoulos. “Nanoparticle selective laser sintering for large area flexible electronics fabrication with a scanning mirror.” In 4th Pacific International Conference on Applications of Lasers and Optics, Picalo 2010, 2010. https://doi.org/10.2351/1.5057239.
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  - Ko, S. H., H. Pan, N. Hotz, and C. P. Grigoropoulos. “Large area flexible electronics fabrication by selective laser sintering of nanoparticles with a scanning mirror.” In Icaleo 2009 28th International Congress on Applications of Lasers and Electro Optics, Congress Proceedings, 102:1396–1401, 2009. https://doi.org/10.2351/1.5061505.
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  - Hotz, N., and A. Schicho. “High-Pressure Electrolysis for Efficient Compressed Hydrogen Production,” n.d.
  - Lee, M. T., N. Hotz, R. Greif, and C. P. Grigoropoulos. “Transport Phenomena in a Nanocatalytic Solar thermal Steam-Methanol Reformer,” n.d.
  - Peng, W., E. Lim, I. Dumanyan, and N. Hotz. “In-Situ Fabrication of a Porous Nano-Catalyst Reactor for H2 Production by Methanol Steam Reforming,” n.d.
  - Real, D., I. Dumanyan, and N. Hotz. “Hydrogen Production by Solar-driven Methanol Steam Reforming,” n.d.
  - Real, D., I. Dumanyan, and N. Hotz. “Nanocatalyst for Hydrogen Production by Solar-Driven Methanol Steam Reforming,” n.d.
  - Schicho, A., and N. Hotz. “High-pressure Electrolysis Experiments up to 5000 psi,” n.d.
  - Shodiya, T., D. Real, and N. Hotz. “Nanocatalysts for Integrated Solar-powered Fuel Cell System Combining Fuel Reforming, Reformate Post-processing, and Fuel Cell,” n.d.
  - Shodiya, T., D. Real, and N. Hotz. “Integrated Solar-Powered Fuel Cell System,” n.d.
  - Shodiya, T., J. Barnes, I. Dumanyan, and N. Hotz. “Plasmon-enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation from Biofuels,” n.d.
  - Shodiya, T., O. Schmidt, W. Peng, and N. Hotz. “Particle Size Modeling of Novel Au/α-Fe2O3 Catalysts for Preferential Oxidation of CO for Fuel Cell Applications,” n.d.
  - Shodiya, T., and N. Hotz. “Preferential Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide Integrated with Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell,” n.d.
  - Shodiya, T., and N. Hotz. “Plasmon-Enabled Photothermal Hydrogen Generation in Cold Reactor,” n.d.
Teaching & Mentoring
Recent Courses
Scholarly, Clinical, & Service Activities
Outreach & Engaged Scholarship
- Bass Connections Team Leader. Providing Clean Fuel for the Developing World. 2020 - 2021 2020 - 2021
- Bass Connections Team Leader. Providing Clean Fuel for the Developing World: Technology Is Not Enough. 2019 - 2020 2019 - 2020
Service to the Profession

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Education, Training, & Certifications

Duke Appointment History

In the News

Awards & Honors

Selected Grants

Selected Publications

Academic Articles

Book Sections

Conference Papers

Recent Courses

Outreach & Engaged Scholarship

Service to the Profession