The Hallinan Lab studies polymers for advanced energy sustainability. This is increasingly important as petroleum usage is decreased and as intermittent renewable sources, such as wind and solar energy, become more prevalent. Significant improvements in safety, cost, and energy density of commercial batteries are possible by replacing the currently used liquid electrolyte with solid (polymer) electrolyte. Other areas of energy sustainability that motivate our research are membrane-based water desalination and carbon dioxide capture. Polymer membranes for batteries, water, or carbon dioxide capture must be mechanically strong with selective transport properties. Nanostructured polymeric materials can exhibit such combination of properties.
We are interested in the dynamics of these heterogeneous polymer materials, such as block copolymers and polymer-grafted nanoparticles. Multiple phases dispersed throughout a material enables advanced properties that cannot be achieved in materials without structure. For example, we can combine a hydrophilic phase that conducts water or ions with a hydrophobic material that provides mechanical strength. The effect of structure on water and ion transport as well as mechanical strength can be complex. Therefore, we pursue advanced experimental techniques that allow us to measure multicomponent diffusion and local relaxations. Please visit our research page for more details.
JOB OPENING: Postdoctoral Scholar: Charged Polymer Synthesis and Membrane Transport
Job Description. A Postdoctoral Scholar position is available for a research project in POLYMER MEMBRANES, jointly carried out in the Florida A&M University−Florida State University (FAMU-FSU) College of Engineering Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at FSU. The starting date is flexible and can be as early as September 1, 2023. Review of applications will begin in August and will continue until the position is filled.
The Scholar will become part of a highly collaborative project with an overall research focus on synthesizing and understanding the mechanism of ion transport in advanced nanostructured polyelectrolytes. The collaborative team assembles Polymer Science faculty in the disciplines of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. The successful candidate will focus on block copolymer synthesis, functionalization, and characterization in addition to membrane fabrication and ion permeation measurements. The candidate will work closely with the team of PIs consisting of Daniel Hallinan Jr. ( Chemical & Biomedical Engineering), Justin Kennemur ( Chemistry and Biochemistry) and Joseph Schlenoff ( Professor of Polymer Science), as well as with their respective research teams.
Location. The candidate will work at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering in Tallahassee, Florida. The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is a top−100 engineering graduate school according to US News rankings. The Hallinan lab has custom capabilities in polymer synthesis, various air-free experiments, advanced time-resolved spectroscopic methods, and access to a full suite of materials characterization facilities at university and college centers as well as at the nearby National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Facilities in Chemistry will also be available.
Qualifications. A Ph.D. in the area of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Polymer or Materials Science and Engineering, or another relevant discipline must be completed by the time of employment. Candidates should demonstrate a successful track record of research accomplishments and a desire to accelerate discovery by working in a team-driven environment. Although not required, special consideration will be given to applicants with experience in the areas of polymer synthesis, membrane separations/transport, and/or electrochemistry. In addition, communication skills, leadership, chemical hygiene/safety, and student mentoring experience are highly valued. Our groups maintain an inclusive research environment with a diverse team that is trained in cutting-edge skills necessary to contribute to the STEM workforce. Applicants from groups underrepresented in STEM are highly encouraged to apply.
To Apply. Send a single PDF to Prof. Daniel Hallinan at dhallinan@eng.famu.fsu.edu with “Postdoctoral Scholar Application” in the subject line. For consideration the PDF must include all of the following: a 1-2 page cover letter describing relevant skills and career ambitions, a 2-3 page research statement summarizing accomplishments, and a current CV that includes up to 3 references who have agreed to be contacted if necessary.
Kyoungmin Kim successfully defended his dissertation on July 1st, 2022. Congratulations Dr. Kim! He is now working as a Research Scientists at Storagenergy Technologies
Undergraduate Researcher Presented IDEA Grant Results
The President's Showcase of Undergraduate Research Excellence hosted undergraduate researchers presenting their IDEA Grant results. Ashley David, a member of the Hallinan Lab, was awarded the Steve Madden Undergraduate Research Award. She presented the results of her research on Analyzing the Soret Effect Using Time- Resolved FTIR-ATR. Her participation was made possible by this award. Her efforts have resulted in new insight into the Soret Effect and a manuscript submitted for publication. You can view the presentation slides here here.
Polymer and Composite Electrolyte Review Webinar
The Frontiers of Solid State Batteries Webinar hosted jointly by MRS and ECS includes a presentation by Prof. Daniel Hallinan (starting at 1:01:00). He reviews the article on polymer and composite electrolytes that was published with Dr. Irune Villaluenga and Prof. Nitash Balsara in the October 2018 issue of
Copyright © 2019