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Faculty
and Student Teams Program
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Project Descriptions
Brookhaven
National Laboratory
Chemistry Department
Center for Radiation Chemistry Research
Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at institutions
serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and
technology, to work on the design and synthesis of novel ionic liquids, measurement
of their physical properties, and the experimental or theoretical study of
radiation- and laser-induced chemical reaction kinetics in ionic liquids.
Project Description The proposed project involves a combined
theoretical and experimental study of the chemical physics of ionic liquids
(ILs). These materials represent a rapidly expanding family of condensed-phase
media with important applications in nuclear fuel and waste processing, energy
production, improving the efficiency and safety of industrial chemical processes,
and pollution prevention. Understanding how chemical reactivity is influenced
by various classes of ionic liquids will lead to technological improvements
for a safer, more secure society and substantially benefit the environment
and the economy.
The goal of this project is to develop new types of ionic liquids and
characterize both their physical properties and their chemical environment.
Experimental techniques will center on flash photolysis and pulse radiolysis,
and will be supplemented by molecular dynamics simulations of solvation
dynamics. The unique nature of ionic liquids may require the development
of novel syntheses, the construction of specialized apparatus, and the
implementation of new numerical techniques for data analysis. The core
objective of these studies will be to determine how ionic liquids, as
reaction media, influence the rates and energetics of chemical reactions.
Systematic variation of functional groups within a class of structurally-related
ionic liquids will elucidate the factors which control colligative properties
of the liquid and the product distribution and reactivity of radiation-induced
radical species. Kinetic measurements will be done at the Laser-Electron
Accelerator Facility (LEAF), the preeminent pulse radiolysis facility
in the country.
Applicants Responsibilities
and Relationship to Project Applicants will receive support under the
Department of Energy Faculty Student Team Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively
with the project research team at BNL for up to 10 weeks during the year starting
in June of 2006, Summer and academic year visits to BNL will be scheduled by
mutual agreement between the Chemistry Department and the successful applicant.
Ideally faculty will work at BNL on the project for 10 weeks during the summer
in the first year. Faculty will be expected to identify students from their
campus to participate in the Undergraduate Research Participation programs
offered by the Department of Energy at BNL. Ideally Faculty will provide some
mentorship and/or advising support to students during the summer research activities.
It is expected that the Faculty member will become an integral part of the
research team working on this project and will support the project through
the academic year on her or his campus.
Qualifications of Ideal Candidate
| Faculty: | Ph.D. in chemistry or related field. Proven
background in the study of ionic liquids. Works well in a collaborative environment
with students and other researchers. Currently teaches and collaborates with
students in his/her field. Willing to work at BNL for an extended period
during the summer. |
| Student: | Working towards a BS in physical
science or engineering with strong interests in experimental research. Works
well in collaboration with faculty, other students, and researchers. Willing
to work at BNL for an extended period. |
Support
and Financial Commitments See Financial
Information.
For More Information contact:
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