Michigan Tech researchers honored for practical measurement discovery

What's happening: Two Michigan Technological University chemists have found a new way to measure complex reactive processes between liquids, solids and gasses. MTU Assistant Professor Kathryn Perrine and Research Assistant Chathura de Alwis received the 2023 MTU Bhakta Rath Award for the discovery, which has dozens of immediate real-world applications.

How does it work: The measurement process quantifies when solids, liquids and gasses are all bringing different aspects to surface chemical reactions. Using spectroscopy techniques, the new measurement system can observe catalytic reactions near reaction conditions. Information gathered will provide data both before and after chemical reactions, greatly increasing the ability to fully comprehend the science as it happens.

What they're saying:  “The work offers a new understanding of iron corrosion, which is important in many industries and energy applications,” Ashley R. Head, an associate scientist in the Center for Functional Nanomaterials at Brookhaven National Laboratory, in her letter of support of their nomination. “Their technique to study interfaces offers a higher degree of control of the liquid thickness and allows chemistry in air to better mimic chemical processes in real-world applications.”

What's next:  Putting the new techniques to work is in the plan for hundreds of researchers, in both the public and private sectors. The techniques have already shown an important impact in studying the corrosion of water pipes, build-up of mineral deposits and carbon capture efforts regarding climate change. Those working in chemistry, materials science, physics and engineering will be the first to use the techniques, but multiple other industries will be able to benefit from the long-term impact of the technique.