Research Highlights
Probing weak hydrogen bonds with Time-Resolved Spectroscopy
Weak hydrogen bonds between the highly polarized hydrogen atom of chloroform and the
amide carbonyl were proved and probed via linear and nonlinear IR spectroscopic techniques.
Experiments showed that weak hydrogen bonds have an energetics of few kcal/mol and
are responsible for distinguishable arrangements of chloroform molecules around carbonyl
groups.
Thermal and chemical effects of fillers on free-radical frontal polymerization
Filled systems are important for the development of materials through frontal polymerization. Fillers are added to control the rheological properties of the formulation and to enhance the mechanical properties of products. Results demonstrate that some fillers can increase front velocity through their high thermal diffusivities while others decrease it by acting as radical scavengers.
Utilizing Engineered Soil Surrogates to Study Environmental, Ecological, and Agricultural Processes
A novel model approach was developed and applied to gain a molecular-level understanding
of environmental pollutant/soil interactions. The approach provides a scalable platform
with molecular-level control of the soil organic matter (SOM) chemical composition
and structure, allowing one to examine proposed SOM interactions with agricultural
chemicals and beyond.
Probing Electron Spins in Enzymes Biosynthesis
MCD and EPR probing of the nitrogenase M cluster precursors electron spins dynamics suggests new mechanisms of enzymes biosynthesis and substrate binding. Additional ongoing ultrafast electron-scale investigations are carried out to get better understanding of such mechanisms.
Tunable surface properties for microfluidics prepared with simple, thiol-acrylate chemistry
Novel, cost-efficient bulk modified thiol-acrylate microfluidic materials with wide range of highly stable hydrophilic surfaces (11° to 85°) prepared without expensive and sophisticated techniques within less than 24 h at room temperature and ambient pressure.
Reducing Toxic Hexavalent Chromium for Clean Water
Highly toxic Cr(VI) can be reduced to benign Cr(III) in water on unmodified and inexpensive carbon electrodes. The slow step over a wide range of pH is identified, which will help develop new energy-efficient water purification technologies.
News and Events
Murray Receives NSF Funding to Develop a Mass Microscope
Alumnus Helps Keep the Community Safe
Graduate Student Receives Alumni Association Scholarship
Video Highlight
Video tour of the instruments, resources, and technologies available in the Department of Chemistry. To view more videos, visit the LSU Chemistry Youtube Channel.
Chemistry Blog Feature
