Inorganic Chemistry
Examine the properties, behavior, and creation of metals, minerals, and organometallic compounds through inorganic chemistry research at Central Michigan University.
Dr. Gabriel Caruntu
Research in our group is directed towards the fundamental aspects of the design and fabrication of nanoscale functional materials with application in energy storage and conversion, sensing, catalysis and spintronics. To this end, we exploit basic concepts of colloidal chemistry, molecular self-assembly and surface functionalization to design novel nanostructures with controlled internal structure, chemical composition and selectable topologies, such as colloidal nanocrystals, nanotubes and nanorods and thin films.
Dr. Bradley D. Fahlman
The Fahlman group is interested in the development and electrochemical testing of mesoporous carbons, graphenes, and nanostructural Si-C hybrid nanomaterials for energy-storage applications (Li-ion, Na-ion, metal-air batteries, and supercapacitors). We utilize a variety of liquid-phase and vapor-phase methods (CVD, ALD) for the synthesis of nanomaterials, and employ a suite of characterization methods (SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM, XPA, IR, UV-Vis, Raman). Electrochemical testing is performed using Princeton Applied Research potentiostats fitted with split cells housed inside and MBraun glovebox, as well as a 384-channel Maccor battery testing system using coin cells fabricated in our laboratory.
Dr. Philip Squattrito
Our research uses X-ray crystallography to determine the structures of inorganic and organic compounds of interest, with the goal of using the structural information to gain insight into the chemical and physical properties of the substances under study. Recent systems we have examined include metal sulfonates with multi-dimensional structures and organic precursors of nitric oxide-release agents. Compounds are synthesized either by us or in collaboration with other laboratories.