Vinodgopal
 Chemistry students are getting special chance to do research through mentorship of Northwest’s Vinodgopal. |
When most students finished finals and headed out toward an extended break, three undergrad chemistry majors from the Gary campus began assisting in fuel cell research.
Thomas Nelson, Mathew Rettker and Robert Underhile are studying under the direction of Kizhanipuram Vinodgopal, professor of chemistry at IU Northwest, who is the recipient of two prestigious research sub-grants for research being conducted in conjunction with the University of Notre Dame’s Center for Advanced Fuel Cell Technology (CAFCT).
The first sub-grant of $83,648 will be used to investigate nanostructured carbon electrodes for fuel cell applications as part of an effort to provide improved portable power sources for military use. The project is funded by a contract issued by the U.S. Army Communications–Electronics Command.
The second award of $153,382 will allow for the study of nanostructured electrodes for fuel cell applications. It was granted through the Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund and also was sub-granted through Notre Dame’s CAFCT. The research also includes Crane Naval Surface Weapons Center.
Vinodgopal and the students will study the electrochemical characterization of carbon nanotubes and nanoscale imaging of these novel materials and look for novel materials that can be substituted in fuel cells to lessen their cost, weight and generally improve how they operate. The applications for this research would be used for computer laptops, cell phones and other low-power devices.
Vinodgopal, who is the sole researcher not on the faculty of Notre Dame, said the opportunity presented to the students at the undergraduate level is exciting. “This is unique for them, to be introduced to relatively sophisticated analytical methods,” he said.
Vinodgopal first became involved with the group of Notre Dame researchers 10 years ago, and the group started applying for grants in 2001. Ultimately, the U.S. Army hopes to have lighter, longer lasting power sources for electronic devices modern soldiers carry into battle, which is why this and other projects like it are being funded across the nation.
Although the research is challenging and a lot of hard work, Vinodgopal said the potential benefits, including standing on the forefront of great change, makes it worth the effort.
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