Principal Investigator
Current Group Members
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Dr. Paul Melnikov
(Senior Visiting Researcher)
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Ravi Ranjan
Integrated B.S. & M.S. in Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, India, 2017
My current research work focuses on finding the mechanistic pathways of Zr(BH4)4 and Hf(BH4)4 on the Pd(111) and ZrB2 (0001) surfaces, respectively. Reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) are the most frequent techniques used in these studies.
Apart from research, I work on physical and mental fitness. I like cycling, meditating, traveling, and watching current affairs.
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Buddhika Wijenayake
M.S. in Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Japan, 2016
B.S. in Chemistry, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2014
I am currently studying deposited Pd at low coverage on Ag (111) surface by scanning tunneling microscope (STM). STM is an instrument for imaging surfaces at the atomic level. Therefore, it is the best tool to study the Pd islands on Ag (111) surface. I observe single-layered and double-layered high, triangular shape islands and some vacancy pits upon deposition of 0.05ML Pd on Ag (111) surface at 380 K.
Apart from my research work, I love watching TV series, listening to songs, and swimming.
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David Molina
B.A. in Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2018
I am studying the selective hydrogenation of acetylene on a Ag(111) surface and Pd/Ag(111) single-atom alloy (SAA) using reflective absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) spectrometry and temperature-programmed reaction spectrometry (TPRS). We are interested in seeing the effect that alloying Pd with Ag has on the hydrogenation of acetylene and compare that to the reaction on the Ag(111) surface.
Outside the lab, I like to stay physically active if possible, by playing my favorite sports: soccer, volleyball and biking. I like to enjoy nights out with friends and loved ones and finding new places to eat. I am a fan of cooking and traveling to new places, so whenever possible I take the opportunity to try cooking different dishes from Japanese, Italian, Argentinian, and Spanish cuisines.
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Mohammad Rahat Hossain
M.S. in Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2021
B.Sc. in Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2019
My research area covers the selective hydrogenation of Acrolein on Cu (111) and Pd/Cu(111) surfaces using ‘Reflection Absorption Infrared Spectroscopy’ and ‘Temperature-programmed Desorption’ to characterize the surface species and reaction intermediates and ‘Auger Electron Spectroscopy’ to quantify the surface coverages. We aim for a selective approach to obtain a high yield of the desired product, i.e., Propanol.
I go without saying that I love my family and love to spend as much time as I can. I have a strong affection for sports, especially cricket, and cooking. I like to spend my leisure time watching TV series and news, and sometimes sleeping! I also take traveling as an escape plan in vacations.
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Ayoyele Ologun
B.Sc. Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, Nigeria, 2018.
My research is focused on understanding the surface reaction mechanism that underlies the metastable growth of metal borohydrides on ZrB2(0001) surface by utilizing surface science methods such as; Reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) , X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and Low energy electron diffraction (LEED). Using these methods, we aim to understand and establish at both atomic and molecular levels the surface chemistry behind this growth and thereby develop an optimal approach towards the thin film growth process via CVD metal borides and metal borohydrides.
Outside the lab, I love meditating on the wonders of nature, baking, cooking new dishes, and staying active through cycling, playing soccer, and table tennis.
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Recent PhD Recipients
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Arephin Islam
Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2023
M.Sc. in Applied Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2016
B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2014
Thesis title: Polarization Infrared Spectroscopy of Adsorbed Molecules on Cu(111) and Pd/Cu Bimetallic Surfaces
Graduation date: January 3, 2023;
Current position and address: Postdoctoral Scientist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000
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Mark Muir
Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2020
M.S. in Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2019
B.S. in Mathematics, St. Xavier University, 2016
B.S. in Chemistry, St. Xavier University, 2015
Thesis title: Selective Hydrogenation Reactions on Ag(111) and Pd/Ag(111) Single Atom Alloy Surfaces
Graduation Date: December 10, 2020
Current position: Postdoctoral Appointee at Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S Cass Ave, Lemont, IL 60439
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Mohammed Abdel-Rahman
Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2020
B.S. in Chemistry University of Illinois at Chicago, 2012
Thesis title: Bridging the Pressure Gap in the Surface Analysis of Transition Metal Catalyzed Reactions
Graduation date: November 16, 2020
Current position and address: Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218
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