Other Faculty Members
Monica E. McCallum
Daniel J. Mindiola
Energy Research Interests: The Mindiola group works on several fronts relevant to energy. We are currently developing simple-to-make catalysts using earth-abundant metals and exploring how such systems can polymerize terminal alkynes to cyclic polyalkynes. Another project involves the immobilization of well-defined metal pre-catalysts on oxide supports in order to prepare not only highly robust, but recyclable catalysts for the activation and functionalization of alkanes, including methane.
Christopher B. Murray
Abraham Nitzan
Energy Research Interests: Theoretical studies of activation, relaxation and energy transfer processes in molecular systems. Transport phenomena in condensed phases and on surfaces. Theory of chemical reaction rates in condensed phases. Ionic diffusion and conductivity in solid ionic conductors, in polymers and in confined systems. Electromagnetic and electronic interactions in small particles and clusters. Theoretical investigations of charge transfer and charge separation phenomena in condensed phases, at interfaces and in nano-junctions.
Chinedum Osuji
Energy Research Interests: The Osuji lab advances research on the synthesis and processing of nanostructured self-assembled materials, including lyotropic surfactant mesophases, and block copolymers. These materials exhibit uniform and tunable nm-scale structure and chemistry, and are being developed for controlling neutral and charged-species transport in applications such as water nanofiltration, and separators for batteries and fuel cells.
Amish J. Patel
Iliana Pérez-Rodríguez
E. James Petersson
Energy Research Interests: We use chemical modification of peptides and proteins to provide new functionality for the environmentally friendly isolation and recycling of rare earth elements. Proteins with synthetic modifications are also being designed for novel photochemical catalysis and energy harvesting applications.
Andrew M. Rappe
Eric Stach
Energy Research Interests: The Stach Group focuses on the use of materials characterization approaches to understand the relationship between materials structure and function, using primarily electron, ion and x-ray microscopy techniques. We work collaboratively with many VIEST faculty in the areas of heterogeneous catalysis, solar fuels, electrocatalysis, battery materials and advanced electronics for energy efficiency.
Kathleen J. Stebe
Joseph Subotnik
Neil C. Tomson
John M. Vohs
Patrick J. Walsh
Energy Research Interests: Energy related research in the Walsh group involves developing catalytic processes, and where necessary enantioselective versions, to make organic molecules with greater efficiency and under conditions that are more eco-friendly. Lately, much success has been achieved toward the synthesis of organic building blocks without use of precious metal catalysts. Targets of interest in the group include alkynes, heterocycles and heteroaromatic systems (benzofurans, indoles, pyrroles, etc.). Our team has a strong track record of fruitful collaborations with groups that need organic precursors, organic glasses and catalyst development.
Nathaniel J. Wei
Energy Research Interests: Our group investigates the fluid mechanics of renewable-energy systems and their interactions with the atmosphere. We seek to identify and characterize flow mechanisms that can be leveraged to enhance the performance of wind turbines and wind farms. We are also developing methods for large-scale field measurements of atmospheric flows in renewable-energy and environmental contexts.