Research Interests:

Reza Dabestani is a Research Staff Scientist in the Physical Organic Chemistry (POC) group in the Chemical Sciences Division at ORNL. Reza’s research interests include: Excited states dynamics of reactive intermediates at liquid/air and solid/air interfaces. Spectroscopy and photochemistry of organic compounds on the surfaces of inorganic nanoparticles and in mesoporous solids. Mechanistic investigation of organics, polymers, and composites in organic-inorganic hybrid materials for solar energy application. Advanced oxidation processes for environmental remediation application. Development of molecular and ionic recognition ensembles for optical sensing applications (chemical sensors).

Selected current research themes include:

• Design and synthesis of Photoactive materials for the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to useful fuels and chemicals using sunlight is an emerging field of research with enormous potential for growth in the near future. We have been interested in the design and identification of molecular entities suitable for solar energy conversion. A wide range of organic, inorganic and organic-inorganic materials with promising spectral characteristics that renders them suitable as efficient photo catalysts for solar energy conversion have been identified by various research groups. However, currently no commercially available process exists for the conversion of carbon dioxide or water to fuels and chemicals. The focus of our research will be on the design and synthesis of highly active photocatalysts (nano catalysts) to achieve efficient photo-conversion of carbon dioxide and water to useful fuels.