The sulfides, selenides, and tellurides together form the family of materials known as chalcogenides. These versatile materials are used in optoelectronics, thermoelectrics, phase-change applications, quantum dots, 2D materials, and batteries. With tunable compositions, numerous crystal structures, and diverse properties, the metal chalcogenides are an exciting playground for synthetic chemists and materials engineers.

Semiconductors have widespread impact in the energy and electronics industries, enabling devices like computers and solar panels. While silicon has been the backbone of the semiconductor industry, the emergence of new semiconductors is creating fascinating opportunities. From devices that can operate under extreme environments to the next generation of energy production, possibilities abound for semiconductor researchers.

From mobile electronics to electric vehicles to grid storage, batteries are ubiquitous in modern society. But as these technologies evolve, batteries must become lighter and smaller, store more energy, and have longer lifetimes. The next generation of high-performance batteries will rely on new materials that enable emerging battery chemistries. Designing these new materials is a crucial challenge for researchers.