CHEM1: Cutting-Edge Research in Bio-Nanomaterials

Mentors: Dr. C. Vijaya Kumar, Professor, Chemistry, and his research team

At this site you will receive state-of-the-art training in Green and Sustainable BioNanomaterials (Nanozymes). We will provide you with hands-on experience in the preparation and characterization of these nano materials. One goal of our research is to design and synthesize enzyme-based nanomaterials by environmentally benign methods. Enzymes accelerate a wide variety of biochemical reactions to high velocities, and we take advantage of this wonderful property of enzymes to accelerate chemical reactions in the laboratory. We are using enzyme-based nanomaterials to find effective treatments for terrible diseases such as cancer, AIDS, and diabetes. In a related project, we are developing Nanozymes to trap and remediate carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to combat global warming. Our research team will train you in the synthesis and characterization of these nanocatalysts by sustainable methods, and you will be working on projects at the cutting edge of nanoscience. If you love chemistry and are curious to learn more about these projects, we invite you to our high-tech laboratories to assist our research team in nanoscience discoveries.

CHEM2: Sustainable, Green Chemistry for Solar Energy Conversion to Fuels

Mentors: Dr. C. Vijaya Kumar, Professor, Chemistry, and his research team

At this site you will receive state-of-the-art training in Green, Sustainable Chemistry. We will provide you with hands-on experience preparing DNA-based artificial photosynthetic systems to produce hydrogen directly from sunlight. Solar energy is the most abundant, sustainable, renewable, and free energy source. In fact, all the energy the world needs for an entire year is received by the planet in one hour. This fact illustrates the abundance of this energy source. There are several major obstacles in the collection, conversion, and storage of this renewable energy. In one project, we are using DNA and proteins to construct bio-solar cells where the solar energy will be converted directly to hydrogen. Our research team will train you in the synthesis and characterization of these systems, and you will be working on projects at the cutting edge of green chemistry and nanoscience. If you love chemistry and are curious to learn more about these projects, we invite you to our high-tech laboratories to assist our research team for the construction of DNA-based solar cells.