Overview
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 Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor of the Practice in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
·
2019 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society
·
2018 - Present
Duke Science & Society,
University Initiatives & Academic Support Units
Recent Publications
Soliquidy: a descriptor for atomic geometrical confusion
Journal Article Npj Computational Materials · December 1, 2025 Tailoring material properties often requires understanding the solidification process. Herein, we introduce the geometric descriptor Soliquidy, which numerically captures the Euclidean transport cost between the translationally disordered versus ordered st ... Full text CiteA priori procedure to establish spinodal decomposition in alloys
Journal Article Acta Materialia · March 1, 2024 Spinodal decomposition can improve a number of essential properties in materials, especially hardness. Yet, the theoretical prediction of the onset of this phenomenon (e.g., temperature) and its microstructure (e.g., wavelength) often requires input parame ... Full text CiteInducing Deep Sweeps and Vortex Ejections on Patterned Membrane Surfaces to Mitigate Surface Fouling.
Journal Article Membranes · January 2024 Patterned membrane surfaces offer a hydrodynamic approach to mitigating concentration polarization and subsequent surface fouling. However, when subjected to steady crossflow conditions, surface patterns promote particle accumulation in the recirculation z ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Novel Flexible Quantum Dot Solar Cell for Space Applications
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Space Grant · 2013 - 2014View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Switzerland) ·
2008
Ph.D.