The main focus of our interdisciplinary group is the application of physical organic tools in materials science, particularly in carbon nanotechnology and catalysis. One aspect of our work is to develop new carbon-based nanomaterials from molecular precursors or petroleum waste for applications that will result in more efficient and affordable industrial processes. Moreover, we believe that it is essential to understand reaction mechanisms to improve the properties of nanomaterials. We are particularly interested in studying the reaction mechanisms by careful analysis of relationships between the thermodynamic properties and the kinetics and reactivity of the nanoscale materials. To achieve our goal, to design the novel materials and catalysts: we prepare new carbon-based nanoparticles, carefully examine their structure and properties, study the kinetics and reactivity. A variety of materials characterization techniques used in detailed experimental studies, which include various spectroscopy, electrochemistry, microscopy (SEM, TEM, and AFM), and kinetic studies used to characterize nanoscale materials to investigate reaction mechanisms.
