Chemists who discovered a new technique for measuring complex reactive processes at the interface of liquids, solids and gases have received the 2023 Michigan Technological University Bhakta Rath Award.
The accomplishments of Assistant Professor Kathryn Perrine and her mentee, research assistant Chathura de Alwis, resulted in new insights into the chemical mechanisms of oxidation-reduction – or redox – reactions on iron and other earth-abundant metals and materials. The findings are important to current and future industries and energy applications.
The Perrine Research Group uses surface analysis instruments, including polarized modulated-infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), to measure surface chemistry, uncovering physical and chemical phenomena that addresses global challenges in energy and environmental science. The multidisciplinary group, which has uncovered fundamentals that address corrosion, water quality, carbon capture and other critical challenges, includes researchers from the fields of chemistry, materials science, physics and engineering.
