Our research program explores the relationship between polymer structure, processing and properties.
More specifically, we study the effect of polymer structure on the solubility, diffusivity, and permeability of small molecules in polymers and polymer-based materials.
These fundamental studies bear directly upon:
- membranes for liquid, gas, and vapor separations
- controlled drug delivery devices and techniques
- barrier plastics for food and specialty packaging
- monomer and solvent removal from formed polymers
- physical aging of glassy polymeric materials and membranes
Focus of current research efforts
In each of these research programs, we combine fundamental polymer science, polymer synthesis, and advanced characterization methods to develop an understanding of the structure of materials we study and their performance in the applications of interest.
1. Synthesis and characterization of novel polymers for gas separation membrane applications
e.g., air separation, hydrogen purification, natural gas purification, pre-and post-combustion carbon capture, etc.
2. Surface modification of water purification membranes to reduce foulin
For applications such as drinking water and wastewater purification using ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes.
3. Development of systematic structure/property correlations governing water and ion transport in polymer membranes.
In neutral, cationic and anionic polymer membranes under both concentration driven and electric field driven separations for applications such as nanofiltration, forward and reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, reverse electrodialysis, and capacitive deionization.
Collaboration
We have strong collaborations with fundamental chemistry programs in the US and abroad and with engineering and materials science characterization groups around the world.
Students graduating from our program typically have opportunities to continue their studies in the US or abroad, if they wish, or have access to a variety of job opportunities in:
- Academia
- Government laboratories
- Industry
The group is primarily Chemical Engineering students, but we also have had students from Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering in the group.
The lab provides a multidisciplinary environment with a wide variety of expertise and experience in many different aspects of fundamental polymer science, polymer characterization, and polymer chemistry.