Dr. Tykhon Zubkov
<b>Department: </b>Chemistry<br><b>Research Area: </b>How metal and semiconductor nanomaterials can be prepared, how they interact with various molecules, and how they initiate chemical reactions when irradiated with light.
Department: Chemistry
Research Focus: My research is focused on how metal and semiconductor nanomaterials can be prepared, how they interact with various molecules, and how they initiate chemical reactions when irradiated with light.
Potential Student Project(s):
- Photocatalysis by nanomaterials for the purpose of making chemicals: When irradiated with light, certain materials can initiate chemical reactions of surrounding molecules. This is called heterogeneous photocatalysis. We explore how this phenomenon can be designed to be efficient and selective in order to compete with traditional methods of chemical synthesis.
-Synthesis of metal and semiconductor nanoparticles of desired uniform shapes: When nanoparticles have certain simple uniform shapes, the atoms on their surfaces are arranged in a similar manner. We explore how this simplicity helps to guide photocatalytic reactions toward one or another desired product.
Attributes/skills/background sought in undergraduate:
- Satisfactory completion of General Chemistry I
- Passion for science and open mind to appreciate how diverse and interconnected different branches of chemistry are.
- Willingness to work carefully, ask “why”, understand procedures, take notes, and follow safety requirements.
Mentoring Plan:
Initially, I will work with the student side-by-side in the lab, demonstrate procedures, and teach how to use various instrumentation. As the student gains more experience, they will work more independently. Occasionally, I will give relevant journal articles to read that will help developing critical thinking and independent vision. Periodically, we will have research group meetings to review results, discuss what they mean, and plan next steps. The student will work on the project 5 hours/week, including at least 1 hour of one-on-meeting with me.
Contact: 765-285-8146, FB 404