Sepaniak Group Received NSF Funding
With funding of $400,000 from National Science Fundation, and support from the Chemical Measurement and Imaging Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Michael Sepaniak at University of Tennessee, Knoxville and his group will tackle the challenges of creating pillar arrays for chemical separations (PACS) that function as miniaturized liquid phase separation systems.
An original processing sequence for the fabrication of high aspect ratio pillars yields mechanically robust systems. Importantly, the characteristic morphologies in the implemented highly ordered pillar arrays are scalable to nanometer dimensions. Thus the fluidic structures, operated in enclosed pressure-driven or open capillary action-driven modes, offer the potential for substantial improvements in separation efficiency and permeability over traditional packed and monolithic columns, as well as traditional thin layer chromatography plates. PACS provides an alternative approach to separation media with precisely controlled nano- and micro-scale architectures. New insights into the retention mechanisms in nanoscale fluidic systems are expected.
Moreover, advanced lithographic techniques will be used to create for the first time uniform pillar structures suitable for high performance open format, 2-D spatial separations.In addition to the scientific objectives of this proposal, an underpinning goal is to introduce young researchers (high school through undergraduate) to cross-disciplinary science and technology ranging from microfabrication and nanotechnology, studies of surface properties, the development of new instrumental approaches to separations, fluidics, and ultra-low volume detection/imaging.
Modern chemistry laboratories have witnessed many striking advancements in the past few decades as computers have been integrated into almost every facet of the collection, processing and storage of measurement data. The introductory chemistry sequence (our beloved Gen Chem), introduces students to the fundamental concepts in chemistry as well as basic techniques used to measure the properties of compounds and materials. After more than 30 years of tinkering with this course, the chemistry department undertook a major redesign of General Chemistry and its laboratory. In the Fall of 2012 the new curriculum was unveiled to the main body of undergraduate students (~2000!) that take it every year.
There was also the question of how to fund such a massive overhaul of the lab. Barnes again went to the College and, with the positive responses from students in Honors Chemistry, was able to secure the funds needed to bring MeasureNet to the main body of UT students starting out in General Chemistry.
Jimmy Mays, a chemistry professor at UT Knoxville, has developed a substance that promises to replace conventional rubber in many products with something that is stronger, greener, and easier to recycle. Now he’s joining forces with the College of Business Administration’s Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to turn his new discovery into a game-changing business.
Qi (Charles) Sun, a graduate student in 
Burton Mandrell, a chemistry undergraduate major, is a member of the University of Tennessee Bridge team that is one of four finalists in the National Collegiate Bridge Championship to be played in Philadelphia on July 14. The other three team members are Jenny Dabbs, Alex Happ, and Tim Michaels.
Today the Chemistry Department hosted a reception to welcome 6 students participating in 2012 Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP).