text: His group has also been involved in the development of a novel technique: Laser Vaporization Controlled Condensation (LVCC) for the synthesis of a variety of semiconductor, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. His research lab is currently focused on the applications of graphene in heterogeneous catalysis and energy conversion, and he developed novel microwave and laser methods for the synthesis of nanoparticle catalysts supported on graphene. The recent discovery of efficient photo-thermal energy conversion by graphene-based materials by El-Shall's group has resulted in the development of new materials for efficient solar water desalination and the removal of heavy metals from contaminated water.