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Faculty
and Student Teams Program
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Project Descriptions
Brookhaven
National Laboratory
Chemistry Department
Photo- and Radiation Chemistry Group
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
and measurement of their physical properties, for the purpose of improving
their suitability for energy-related applications.
Project Description
The proposed project involves the study of ionic liquids, 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 to control the properties of ionic liquids and how they
influence chemical reactivity 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 their properties. Subsequently, pulse radiolysis and flash
photolysis kinetics techniques will be used to examine 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 Physics 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 FaST program 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 ionic
liquid synthesis. 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 or MS 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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