Center for Advanced Materials Science

Dr. Ji Wu published a review article in the journal Electrochemical Energy Reviews (IF 28.4, Q1) with co-authors Xin Su, Xiao-Pei Xu, Zhao-Qi, Fei Ma & Li-Zhen Fan. The paper describes ion transport processes in Lithium Ion Batteries (LIBs) and the future directions of this technology. The reference is Su, X., Xu, XP., Ji, ZQ. et al. Polyethylene Oxide-Based Composite Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries: Current Progress, Low-Temperature and High-Voltage Limitations, and Prospects. Electrochem. Energy Rev. 7, 2 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41918-023-00204-7

Dr. José Jiménez published a paper in the journal Materials Research Bulletin (IF 5.3, Q1) with graduate student Richard Amesimenu. The paper describes the physical and optical properties of phosphate glasses containing red-emitting Mn²⁺ and near-infrared (NIR)-emitting Yb³⁺ ions of interest for solar spectral conversion. The reference is J.A. Jiménez, R. Amesimenu, Mater. Res. Bull. 182 (2025) 113164, doi.org/10.1016/j.materresbull.2024.113164.


Dr. José Jiménez published a paper in the journal ACS Physical Chemistry Au (IF 3.7, Q1) with graduate student Richard Amesimenu and international collaborators Vinod Hedge (Karnataka, India) and C.S. Dwaraka Viswanath (Andhra Pradesh, India). The paper describes the physical, structural, thermo-mechanical, and optical properties of phosphate glasses containing yellow-emitting Dy³⁺ ions for lighting applications. The reference is J.A. Jiménez, et al. ACS Phys. Chem Au 2024, doi.org/10.1021/acsphyschemau.4c00066.

Dr. Rafael Quirino published a new manuscript in the Journal of Composites Science (Q2, IF 3.0). The paper covers the synthesis of a novel macauba kernel oil polyol by the epoxidation of the oil, followed by a ring-opening reaction of the epoxide with glycerol, used for the preparation of polyurethane foams using different NCO/OH ratios.  The paper is an international collaboration between the University of Brasilia, Universite de Lorraine and Georgia Southern University and includes a student from GS, Daniel Ajiola as co-author. The reference is Breves, R.A.; Ajiola, D.; Lopes, R.V.V.; Quirino, R.; Colin, B.; Petrissans, A.; Petrisans, M.; Sales, M.J.A. Bio-Based Polyurethane Composites from Macauba Kernel Oil: Part 1, Matrix Synthesis from Glycerol-Based Polyol, J. Compos. Sci. 2024, 8(9), 63. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8090363https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs8090363

Dr. Rocio Perez published a new manuscript the journal Science and the Total Environment. The paper  assessed whether disposable masks release inhalable MPs when reused in simulated wearing conditions. The reference is Soo, J.C.; Wei, C.H., Chen, J.K.; Dong, G.C.; Liu, Z.S.; Chou, H.C.; Perez, R.L.; Adhikari, A.; Chen, Y.C.; Assessment of inhalation exposure to microplastic particles when disposable masks are repeatedly used, Science of the Total Environment, 912 (20), 169428.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169428.

Dr. Max Durach published a new manuscript the Optics and Lasers Section of the journal Applied Sciences (IF 2.7, Q1). The paper relates the refractive properties of electromagnetic waves and ray-wave tilt in isotropy-broken materials with the concepts of hidden momentum, Abraham-Minkowsky momentum controversy, Fresnel-Fizeau drag, electromagnetism of moving media, and Durach taxonomy of hyperbolic metamaterials. Isotropy-broken electromagnetic metamaterials have applications for subwavelength imaging and lithography, emission rate and directivity control, cloaking, and more. The reference is Durach, Maxim “Theory of Refraction, Ray–Wave Tilt, Hidden Momentum, and Apparent Topological Phases in Isotropy-Broken Materials Based on Electromagnetism of Moving Media”, Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6851; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156851.

Dr. Rafael Quirino published a new manuscript the Journal of Polymers and the Environment (IF 5.3, Q1). The paper describes how tung oil and itaconic acid were used as bio-based feedstocks for the synthesis of novel polyfunctional monomers and polyesters.  The paper was published with colleagues Julio Antonio Conti Silva and Talita Martins Lacerda from the Department of Biotechnology, Universidade de São Paulo, Lorena, Brazil. The reference is Silva, J.A.C.; Quirino, R.; Lacerda, T.M. “The Use of the Straightforward Diels-Alder Reaction for the Preparation of Monomers From Tung Oil and Itaconic Acid-Derived Precursors: Synthesis, Characterization, and Screening of Their Polymerization Reactions”, J. of Polymers and the Environment. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-024-03326-1.

Dr. Rafael Quirino published a new manuscript the journal new journal ACS Sustainable Resource Management. The paper describes how bio-based composites were prepared by transesterification of different types of lignin with tung oil followed by co-polymerization with divinylbenzene in the presence of pine wood particles. The paper was published with Georgia Southern students, Priya Pate, Isabella Pazymino, Sarah Inglesby, Thomas Kirk and Robbie Kazen as well as colleagues from the Department of Biotechnology, Universidade de São Paulo, Lorena, Brazil. The reference is Quirino, R. et. al Effective Lignin-Based Binders for Particle Boards”, ACS Sustainable Resour. Manage. 2024, doi.org/10.1021/acssusresmgt.4c00088.

Dr. Rocio Perez published a paper in the journal Applied Spectroscopy (IF 3.5 Q2). The paper describes the properties of 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid-based GUMBOS were examined and their potential applications as fluorescent probes for membrane binding studies were investigated. The reference is Perez, R. et. al “Studies of Protein Binding to Biomimetic Membranes Using a Group of Uniform Materials Based on Organic Salts Derived From 8-Anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic Acid”, Applied Spectroscopy, 2024,  37028241249768.

Dr. José Jiménez published a paper in the journal Chemical Physics (IF 2.3, Q3). The paper describes pristine P₂O₅-CaO-Na₂O-CuO glasses characterized by XRD, DSC, densitometry, XPS, and Raman spectroscopy and the influence of CuO concentration on various physical parameters and Raman features assessed. The reference is J.A. Jiménez, “Physical properties and Raman spectroscopy inquiry of copper laden bio-relevant calcium phosphate glasses and the exposed to γ-irradiation”, Chemical Physics, 2024 (March), 579, 112189.

Dr. Rocio Perez published a paper in the journal Separation and Purification Technology (IF 8.6, Q1) with Ph.D. student Kyle Jorgensen. The paper describes the extraction of polyatomic hydrocarbons using magnetic ionic liquid. The reference is Jorgensen, K.; Perez, R. “Extraction of poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using magnetic ionic liquids (MILs) as extractive materials from water samples”, Separation and Purification Technology, 2024, 345, 127370.

Dr. Rafael Quirino published a paper in the journal Environmental Pollution (IF 8.9, Q1) with undergraduate student researcher Ciera Wallace and NSF summer research student Jasmine Wolfgram. The paper describes a pyrolysis advancement using catalytic torrefaction to pretreat wood for a greener biochar process. The reference is Richa, L.; et.al., “Catalytic torrefaction effect on waste wood boards for sustainable biochar production and environmental remediation”, Environmental Pollution, Volume 341, 15 January 2024, 122911.

Dr. José Jiménez published a paper in the new journal ACS Organic Inorganic Au (Q1). The paper describes near-infrared (NIR)-emitting phosphate glasses containing Nd³⁺ ions for applications in laser materials and solar spectral converters. The reference is J.A. Jiménez, “Holistic assessment of NIR-emitting Nd³⁺-activated phosphate glasses: A structure-property relationship study”, ACS Org. Inorg. Au 4 (2024), ASAP article online: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsorginorgau.3c00071.

Dr. José Jiménez published a paper in the new journal ACS Physical Chemistry Au (Q1). The paper describes the optical interactions in phosphate glasses containing red-emitting Mn²⁺ and near-infrared (NIR)-emitting Nd³⁺ ions for energy applications and solar spectral converters. The reference is J.A. Jiménez, ACS Phys. Chem Au 2024, doi/10.1021/acsphyschemau.4c00020.

Dr. José Jiménez has published a paper in the journal Optical Materials (IF 3.9, Q1) with undergraduate student Madison Thomas. The paper describes the Composition-structure-property relation studied in melt-quenched UV-emitting phosphate glasses containing Gd³⁺. The reference is J.A. Jiménez, M. Thomas, “Structure-property inquiry of UV-emitting Gd³⁺-activated phosphate glasses”, Opt. Mater. 151 (May 2024) 115391.
 
Dr. José Jiménez published a paper in the Journal of Physical Chemistry B (IF 3.3, Q2) recently with Georgia Southern Master’s in Applied Physical Science student Richard Amesimenu & undergraduate student Madison Thomas as co-authors.  The report studies the Impact of Lanthanide Ionic Field Strength on the Structural and Thermal Expansion of Phosphate Glasses. The reference is J.A. Jiménez, R. Amesimenu, M. Thomas, “Impact of lanthanide (Nd³⁺, Gd³⁺, and Yb³⁺) ionic field strength on the structure and thermal expansion of phosphate glasses”, J. Phys. Chem. B128 (2024) 2995-3003.

Dr. Will Lynch published a paper on halogen bonding in solid state materials, comparison of bond strength in N—I and O—I halogen bonds by X-ray crystallography and computational methods in the journal Crystal Growth and Design (IF 3.8, Q2).  Collaborators includes students and faculty from Georgia Southern, Clemson and Furman University. The reference is Padgett, C. W.; Lynch, W.E.’ et. al. Cryst. Growth and Des. March 2024, 24 (6), 2425-2438.

Dr. Will Lynch, GS-CAMS, presented a research talk at the 75th Southeastern Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Atlanta Georgia. The talk was part of the symposium X-Ray Resolutions: Solving Chemical Problems through SCXRD and was titled ” Hydrogen and halogen bonding in cocrystals of pyridine and pyridine N-oxide with halo aromatic phenols and benzoic acids” and focused on the interplay of cocrystals with potential hydrogen and halogen bonding.

Dr. Will Lynch and Dr. Michael Stollenz (Kennesaw State University) organized a symposium at the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Atlanta Georgia. The symposium, titled “New Structures and Properties of Multinuclear Late Transition Metal Complexes” invited scientists from around the US to speak about their research advances in multimetallic chemistry. The symposium, held on Friday, October 25th, 2024, was a part of SERMACS 2024 that attracted 2200 registered attendees.

Dr. Will Lynch and colleague Dr. Cliff Padgett organized a symposium at the Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Atlanta Georgia. The symposium, titled “X-Ray Resolutions: Solving Chemical Problems through SCXRD” invited 10 scientists from around the US to speak about their research advances in X-ray Crystallography. The symposium, held on Thursday, October 24th, 2024, was a part of SERMACS 2024 that attracted 2200 registered attendees.

Dr. Rafael Quirino and his students visit France for research collaborations. Dr. Quirino is currently in Epinal (France) to wrap-up the activities of his NSF-IRES grant. Since 2021, this grant supported a total of 13 US undergraduate and graduate students doing research on wood torrefaction in a collaborative effort between the University of Lorraine (France) and Georgia Southern University. Overall, the initiative led by Dr. Quirino (PI) and Dr. Aiken (co-PI) resulted in 4 oral presentations and 8 posters presented in National and International Scientific Meetings with student co-authors, 7 peer-reviewed publications, with student co-authors, in prestigious journals, such as Fuel (IF = 7.4), Wood Material Science and Engineering (IF = 2.2), Fibers (IF = 3.9), Environmental Technology and Innovation (IF = 7.1), Applied Energy (IF = 11.4), and Environmental Pollution (IF = 10.0).  

Dr. José Jiménez recently received a grant from the Sloan Scholars Mentoring Network. The grant was selected for 2024-2025 funding was titled “Exploring vitrification as strategy for the management of Li-ion battery cathode-active materials”.

Dr. Weihua (Marshall) Ming has been appointed for 2024 to serve as an editor for the journal Progress in Organic Coatings. ( IF 6.6, Q1). Dr. Ming’s research specialty is in smart coatings (antimicrobial,  antifogging,  anticorrosion,  wettability control,  self-healing),  Functional hybrid composites,  Polymer colloids and latexes, Coatings from renewable sources.

Dr. Rafael Lopes Quirino has been appointed for 2024 to serve as an editorial board member for the journal Coatings. ( IF 3.4, Q2). Dr. Quirino’s research specialty is in bio-based polymer and composites; oleochemistry; carbon nanotubes; microwaves.

Dr. Jose’ Jimenez has been appointed for 2024 to serve as an editorial board member for the journal Applied Sciences. ( IF 2.7, Q2). Dr. Jimenez’ research interests are in atomic layer deposition; glasses; luminescence; materials chemistry and physics; nanomaterials; optical materials; plasmonics; solar cells; surface science; thin films.

William Russell‘s poster on “Synthesis of rose bengal-based GUMBOS and nanoGUMBOS as potential selective chemotherapeutic agents” was presented at SERMACS 2024 in Atlanta. The research was presented at the 75th meeting of the Southeastern American Chemical Society meeting where 2200 attendees were present. William works in the research lab of Dr. Rocio Perez.

David Denemark’s poster on “. Flexible membrane electrodes for use in high-capacity lithium-ion batteries” was presented at SERMACS 2024. David is a senior biochemistry student and works in Dr. Ji Wu’s research lab. David presented his research at the 75th meeting of the Southeastern American Chemical Society meeting where 2200 attendees were present. Madison Ullom, who also works in the lab and a former research student, Katie Nolan, a PhD candidate of environmental science at UGA is also in the photo.

Taiwo Bakare-Abidola, representing the Center for Advanced Materials Science presented a paper at the 75th Meeting of the Southeastern Region of the American Chemical Society. The paper was titled “Design and optimization of Alginate-NADES beads for dye extraction using response surface methodology.” Taiwo works for Dr. Rocio Perez. The presentation was in Atlanta with 2200 attendees.

Madison Ullom presented a paper at the 75th Meeting of the Southeastern Region of the American Chemical Society. The paper was titled “Controlled drug delivery using porous nanoparticles.” Madison works for Dr. Ji Wu. The presentation was in Atlanta with 2200 attendees.

John (Jack) Johnson, BS Chemistry in Spring 2023 from Georgia Southern. He joined the University of Georgia to continue his PhD degree under the guidance of Dr. Gregory Robinson (UGA Foundation Professor). Jack works on “Low-oxidation state main group element-based dithiolene complexes”

Jake DiCesare, BS Chemistry in Spring 2024 will continue his academic career at Purdue University. Jake will pursue a PhD in Analytical Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at Purdue.

David Denemark has been named a 2024 Mayfield Scholar. David is currently a junior Biochemistry major and working in the Center for Advanced Materials Science at Georgia Southern University with Dr. Ji Wu. He has been working on the synthesis of flexible electrodes for wearable, high capacity lithium/sodium ion batteries using creative nanotechnology during this summer. Preliminary data indicates the electrodes have excellent electrochemical and mechanical properties. He is currently making efforts to optimize the characteristics of these flexible electrodes for potential commercial applications. The Mayfield Scholarship is designed to support outstanding Biochemistry or Chemistry majors at Georgia Southern in their research projects during the summer term.
Gabriel Cintron, BS Physics in Spring 2024 will continue his academic career at the University of Central Florida. Gabriel will use his physics degree to pursue a PhD in Optics and Photonics in the College of Optics and Photonics at UCF.

Congratulations to Maxwell Wallace on his thesis titled  “Scattering of Electromagnetic Radiation by Bianisotropic Metamaterial Spheres” with advisor Dr. Max Durach.  Maxwell is graduating this semester from the Masters of Science – Applied Physical Science program with his research focus being  Mie scattering properties of bianisotropic metamaterial spheres.  He is also currently teaching part-time at St. Vincent’s Academy in Savannah and is planning on pursuing a PhD in physics in China beginning in the fall.