Here at IMRL, we carry out inorganic materials research with a green tinge. We use a combination of synthetic, spectroscopic and analytical chemistry to develop novel materials. Most of our work is in the area of carbon and silicon materials but we happily consider the whole periodic table our play ground.
Much of our research is done in collaboration with Industrial Partners. We are always trying to help our work escape the laboratory and get out into the world. If you work in industry and have a question you think we can help with or are interested in our technologies, let us know.
Much of our research is done in collaboration with Industrial Partners. We are always trying to help our work escape the laboratory and get out into the world. If you work in industry and have a question you think we can help with or are interested in our technologies, let us know.
High Surface Area Carbon Materials
Using sustainable and economically viable reaction conditions, we develop and optimize methods for generation of nano and meso porous carbon substrates. In keeping with our green approach, our preferred starting materials for these materials include waste wood, industrial byproducts and other carbon rich sources that can be diverted from landfills.
Using sustainable and economically viable reaction conditions, we develop and optimize methods for generation of nano and meso porous carbon substrates. In keeping with our green approach, our preferred starting materials for these materials include waste wood, industrial byproducts and other carbon rich sources that can be diverted from landfills.
Organic and Polymeric Surface Decoration
Applications of our carbon materials is not possible without careful and effective control over their surface chemistry. Growing polymer brushes and functionalizing the carbon surface with predictable functionality are key for creating novel materials targeting a wide range of applications using various modern chemical techniques such as non-covalent interactions, click chemistry and ATRP.
Applications of our carbon materials is not possible without careful and effective control over their surface chemistry. Growing polymer brushes and functionalizing the carbon surface with predictable functionality are key for creating novel materials targeting a wide range of applications using various modern chemical techniques such as non-covalent interactions, click chemistry and ATRP.
Energy Storage Materials
Strategies for renewable energy implementation all rely heavily on different forms of energy storage. This requires energy storage materials the backbone of which are conductive carbon materials with carefully controlled architecture and surface functionality. We investigate new ways to use carbon substrates in hybrid materials for energy storage using sustainable carbon feedstocks, conductive polymers and nanotechnology.
Strategies for renewable energy implementation all rely heavily on different forms of energy storage. This requires energy storage materials the backbone of which are conductive carbon materials with carefully controlled architecture and surface functionality. We investigate new ways to use carbon substrates in hybrid materials for energy storage using sustainable carbon feedstocks, conductive polymers and nanotechnology.
Silicon Hybrid Materials
Using sol-gel chemistry to synthesize coating and materials that have a reduced environmental impact and improved adhesion compared to traditional coating systems using heavy metals or hazardous corrosion inhibitors. These materials can host molecular and nanoparticle species for a wide variety of applications.
Using sol-gel chemistry to synthesize coating and materials that have a reduced environmental impact and improved adhesion compared to traditional coating systems using heavy metals or hazardous corrosion inhibitors. These materials can host molecular and nanoparticle species for a wide variety of applications.
Environmental Remediation Materials
Using our carbon materials, we tailor the physical and chemical surface properties to optimize adsorption of water borne and gas phase contaminants. This includes hazardous organic species in industrial process water, heavy metals and metalloids in fresh water sources and atmospheric pollutants. In each case, uptake of these target species can be optimized by careful design and control of the substrate surface.
Using our carbon materials, we tailor the physical and chemical surface properties to optimize adsorption of water borne and gas phase contaminants. This includes hazardous organic species in industrial process water, heavy metals and metalloids in fresh water sources and atmospheric pollutants. In each case, uptake of these target species can be optimized by careful design and control of the substrate surface.