Chemistry Duo Awarded US Dept. of Energy Grant

Two Delaware State University chemistry researchers have been awarded a $249,291 U.S. Department of Energy grant for carbon dioxide-related research

The principal investigator of the grant, Dr. Cheng-Yu Lai, associate professor and associate chair of the DSU Department of Chemistry, and co-PI Dr. Daniela Radu, assistant professor of chemistry, will use the funding to develop a novel silica nanostructured platform to capture carbon dioxide from advanced fossil energy power.

In the study, the platforms are believed to be capable of increased carbon dioxide absorption. The captured carbon dioxide could then be recycled for other uses.

Dr. Lai said if the research realizes increased carbon dioxide capture, such low-coat high efficiency material could also be used to capture other chemical compounds from fossil energy sources.

This grant funding is a part of the Department of Energy’s Support of Advanced Fossil Resource Utilization by Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Institutions program. The funding supports the development of high-risk fundamental and applied research that advances the safe and environmentally responsible use of fossil fuels.

DSU was one of four minority institutions to be awarded the Department of Energy grant. Clark Atlanta University, Prairie View A&M University and Florida International University also received similar grants.