Research
Our group is interested in using a molecular level understanding of physical organic chemisty, thermodynamics and kinetics to develop novel and environmentally benign chemical reaction and separations processes, as well as to investigate interesting chemical and thermophysical phenomena. Several of our projects are in collaboration with Dr. James Davis in the Department of Chemistry. The following are brief descriptions of our current research interests.
Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Lipid-Inspired Ionic Liquids
Recently, we demonstrated that incorporating unsaturations into the alkyl chains of n-alkyl methyl imidazolium-based ionic liquids can significantly lower the melting points of these salts, while preserving structural features (the long alkyl chains) which should imbue the species with non-polar-like solvent properties. This phenomenon is similar to the way in which some organisms incorporate unsaturations in the alkyl chains of the lipid bilayer of their cell membranes to regulate membrane fluidity under varying temperature conditions. Currently, we are characterizing the solvent properties of these species utilizing solvatochromic and chromatographic techinques and developing a second generation of these materials that we believe will be more versatile as solvents and lubricants.
Our group has been awarded an NSF grant to study these compounds and characterize their potential for use as selective separations agents. (Award #1133101). 
CO2 Capture Utilizing Ionic Liquids
Removing carbon dioxide from gaseous streams is of concern for a number of process stream, including sour natural gas, power plant emissions and removing carbon dioxide from the air in confined spaces such as submarines and spacecraft. A number of Lewis basic ionic liquids have been described in the literature and many have applied towards carbon dioxide capture. Currently, we are working to characterize the thermophysical properties of several promising candidate ionic liquids for CO2 capture.
The Chevron Energy Research Corporation is currently funding this research effort.
Binary CO2/Ionic Liquid Solvent Systems
Often, ionic liquids with desirable catalytic properties do not have the ability to solubilize a wide variety of organic reactants, creating two phase reaction systems where the reaction rate is mass transfer limited. The unique ability of carbon dioxide to dissolve readily in a variety of organic solvents and ionic liquids allows it to act as a cosolvent under modest pressures and temperature. This creates a highly tunable, catalytic solvent system where phase behavior can easily be controlled by subtle manipulations of temperature and pressure, allowing the reaction rate to be significantly increased under many circumstances. We are currently measuring the relevant phase behavior and reaction kinetics for model reaction systems demonstrating this phenomena.
Engineered Biomolecules
Deriving bulk and specialty chemicals and chemical precursors from biological sources is an active area of interest in both academia and industry. We are focused on identifying key biofeedstock molecules as starting materials and elucidating reaction pathways to develop high-value-added chemical products, including property modifiers, polymer additives and fuel additives. Additionally, we are investigating novel reaction pathways to convert a variety of biomolecules into potential fuel sources.
Functionalized Aerogels for Reactions & Separations
Silica aerogels are unusual solid materials with interesting properties that can be utilized in a variety of chemical engineering applications. Their high surface area and porosity make them excellent candidates for use as supports for catalysts and surface phases for separations. We are working to synthesize and functionalize aerogels to be used for specialty separations and as catalyst and absorbent supports.