Prof. T Alan Hatton

Research focuses primarily on the development of electrochemical processes to facilitate chemical separations and to mediate the transformation of captured waste to useful commodity chemicals. The electrochemically-mediated separation processes that are currently under development and investigation in our group can primarily be divided into two areas: (i) carbon capture from both point (power plants, industrial emissions) and distributed (ambient air, ocean waters) sources; and (ii) water purification (including decontamination of wastewater and desalination). These research projects are supported by both government agencies and industrial partners.

We also have experience in the synthesis, characterization, and application of stimuli-responsive materials, which include nanoparticles, nanofibers, surfactants, polymers, and gels; these materials have a wide variety of applications in, for example, drug delivery, protein, environmental separations, rheology, and surface tension modification. We have particular experience with redox-active polymers for selective separations, and on the use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles (e.g. magnetic fluids) in environmental, biological and chemical separations.

Research advances in our group have resulted in the formation of a start-up company, Verdox Inc., developing electro-swing adsorption processes for removal of CO2 and other acid gases from process streams and the ambient environment. Other potential start-up ventures are currently under consideration.