Dai Named ORNL’s Top Scientist by UT-Battelle
OAK RIDGE, Tenn., — Sheng Dai, professor at the Chemistry Department and researcher in the Chemical Sciences Division of the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has earned the UT-Battelle Director’s Award for Outstanding Individual Accomplishment in Science and Technology. He was honored by ORNL Director Thom Mason for “world-class leadership in the synthesis and application of novel functional porous materials, nanomaterials and ionic liquids to energy-relevant problems.” Dai, who was also named this year’s distinguished scientist at UT-Battelle’s annual Awards Night, is an internationally recognized leader in the design, synthesis and application of mesoporous materials and ionic liquids to problems related to the nation’s energy challenges. Dai was cited for his innovative breakthroughs in advanced materials that can be applied toward technologies ranging from improved batteries for electric vehicles to catalytic systems for water purification. He leads his division’s nanomaterials chemistry group and is also a task co-leader for the catalysis research effort in the multiscale functionality group at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences. (http://www.ornl.gov/news)