Prof. Dr. Peter P. Edwards

Research Priorities: Inorganic chemistry, solid-state chemistry, metal-insulator transition, carbon dioxide
Peter Philip Edwards is a British chemist. He gained world renown for research into metals that lose their electrical conductivity regardless of environmental conditions such as pressure, temperature, and density, and become non-conductive insulators. His findings on these metal-insulator transitions create great potential in terms of technological applications.
Peter Philip Edwards investigates the chemical and physical features that give rise to certain material properties, for example electrical conductivity in the case of metals. Particularly important is his research into carbon, which in the form of graphite demonstrates metallic and thus conductive properties. In the form of diamonds, however, carbon is a very poor conductor of electricity and is even regarded as an insulator. His research has helped pave the way for innovative applications such as the development of novel materials for catalysts, and the production and storage of hydrogen. The way carbon dioxide is used has also benefited from his work, allowing the energy transition to proceed more rapidly and for energy to be extracted from fossil fuels in a way that is less harmful to climate and the environment.
Peter Edwards has also investigated transparent and electrically conductive materials that are used in flat screens or solar cells. To date, these transparent, conducting oxides (TCOs) have mainly been used in the form of rare, costly, and environmentally harmful indium tin oxide, which Edwards would like to see replaced by an affordable and resource-friendly material.