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Aug. 3, 2005

Trinity University Chemist Awarded Grant to Study Catalytic Technologies

SAN ANTONIO - Bert D. Chandler, assistant professor of chemistry at Trinity University, has been awarded a $415,000 grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to continue his research in catalytic technologies involving bimetallic nanoparticles. The five-year grant is funded through the NSF's Faculty Early Career Development Program, which supports professors who are likely to become academic leaders in the 21^st century

Professors chosen for the NSF early career development program are selected on the basis of creative proposals that effectively integrate research and education with the mission of their University. At Trinity, teaching and research are inseparable and Professor Chandler plans to involve undergraduates throughout his project, titled

"Chemical and Catalytic Characterization of Dendrimer Templated Bimetallic Nanoparticles." The grant was approved for its scientific and technical merit for five years, beginning June 1. The project also envisions students helping Professor Chandler revamp Trinity's first semester chemistry laboratory course and develop a high school curricular unit dealing with energy issues.

In a project summary, Professor Chandler noted that one third of all materials produced in the United States involve a catalytic process. Among the associated industries are petroleum refining, emissions and pollution control, polymers and plastics production, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, and basic chemical manufacturing.

"Because catalytic technologies are so prevalent in U.S. industries, improvements in the fundamental understanding of the synthesis and catalytic properties of bimetallic nanoparticles have the potential to positively impact the national economy by providing cheaper materials and customer products while reducing pollution and industrial waste," Professor Chandler says.

Officials at Trinity University noted that only a handful of undergraduate institutions have faculty who have received grants from NSF's early career development program and most recipients are at large research universities. Professor Chandler is the first Trinity faculty member to win this award.

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