My research is in the broad area of organic materials chemistry. We have two ongoing projects in my laboratory.

My primary area of research interest is the synthesis and investigation of novel electrolytes for lithium ion batteries. We are investigating electrolytes for Li-ion batteries designed to perform over a wide temperature range. The research targets electrolytes that can operate over the range -30^oC to 50 ^oC and are stable for 10 to 15 years. Our research has three primary components. The synthesis of novel Li electrolytes, the development of electrolyte additives to extend the calendar life of lithium ion batteries, and the mechanism of reaction of the electrolyte with the surface of the electrodes are being investigated.

My secondary area of research interest involves the development of temperature sensitive polymer based pigments that change colors at a prescribed temperature from 0 to 140 ^oC. The temperature of the color change (called the thermochromic transition) can be tailored by chemical modification of the polymer. In effect, the polymer is a thermal sensor that detects a change in temperature with optical or visual transformation. We have also discovered a method to generate a thermochromic transition which is irreversible upon activation. This project is being conducted in collaboration with Professor B. Euler.