Degree in Chemistry (MS) - website.aub.edu.lb Flyer...The experimental and theoretical study of the underlying micro and macroscopic mechanisms of pattern formation in reaction-diffusion

Graduate Studies in Chemistry

The Graduate Chemistry program leads to the M.Sc. degree. You can specialize in one

of the following four major areas of Chemistry: Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and

Physical.

The Department has 14 professors, research-active in all the above areas.

The Department is committed to excellence in teaching and research.

Chemistry; Master of Science

Degree in Chemistry (MS)

The patterned spatial morphologies and beautiful natural displays (like the banded structures in rocks, branching in trees, lightning,

blood vessel and nerve networks) are the focus of our work.

We study the dynamics of pattern formation in a number of laboratory systems that „mimic‟ natural pattern forming phenomena. We

„manufacture‟ such patterns in the laboratory, and hence investigate the dynamical mechanisms for their evolution and growth.

We also resort to theoretical computations to simulate and predict the observed behavior, based on existing and devised models, in

collaboration with colleagues in the Department.

Rabih Sultan; Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Transport and Nonlinear Dynamics

The research output crosses and overlaps

with fields in Geology and Engineering

(design of reactors).

In Biology, it meets with work of

bacteriologists on the growth mechanism

in bacteria colonies.

Applications for future work in Geology:

prediction of the location of oil basins.

Environmental-seasonal oscillations and

weathering variations; biomedical and

physiological phenomena.

Division of Physical Chemistry

The experimental and theoretical study of the

underlying micro and macroscopic mechanisms of

pattern formation in reaction-diffusion systems, is the

focus of our research.

We also use this framework to create and control the

morphology and polymorphism of interesting nano-

and microstructures.

(A) Newly discovered spots in the Cd(OH)2/CdS precipitation-diffusion system; (B) Numerical simulation of the model of system in panel (A); (C) Newly discovered spiral waves in the precipitation-diffusion of HgI2 and its polymorphic transformation; (D) Newly synthesized La(OH)3 micro & nano-spheres using the reaction-diffusion framework.

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

Mazen Ghoul; Thermodynamic, Kinetics, Fluid Dynamic and Computational Chemistry


Students are trained in computational and

theoretical fields related to chemical, biological

and physical transformations and predictions.

At the experimental level, they are trained to go

to work in material science, biological and

biophysical systems

Our research focuses on exploring various nanoscale effects for improving solar cells, solar-to-fuel conversion, catalysis and

photocatalysis.

We exploit mechanisms of quantum confinement in quantum dots, light localization in photonic crystals, and in plasmonic particles to

enhance solar energy conversion in third generation solar cells. We investigate nanoscale architectures, such as inverse opals or

nanorod arrays coupled with oxygen evolving catalysts to enhance the efficiency of solar-to-hydrogen conversion, and to improve

photocatalytic processes such as the desulfurization of fuel. In another project, we investigate electrocatalysis at the nanoscale, where

we study effects of size, shape, and surface modification on structure-sensitive reactions at assemblies of nanoparticles.

Lara Halaoui; Materials Science, Nanoscience, Solar Energy Conversion and Electrochemistry


TiO2 inverse opal

Photonic

Crystal

(A) (B)

(C)

(A) Scanning electron microscopy images of a polystyrene photonic crystal and a TiO2 inverse opal. (B) Q-CdTe quantum dots of various sizes

emitting different colors due to quantum size effects. (C) Transmission electron microscopy image of tetrahedral Pt nanoparticles and a high-resolution

transmission electron micrograph of a Pt nanoparticle.

Students receive training in the emerging fields of

nanoscience and nanotechnology, where they learn

about fundamental principles and gain expertise in

the fabrication and characterization of

nanomaterials relevant to energy conversion and

catalysis.

Students also gain expertise in electrochemistry, its

methods, and applications.

Project 1: Nanocaspules/nanoassemblies for drug delivery & sensing applications

Prepare and characterize poly amine based capsules useful for delivering potential drug molecules. Such capsules are also helpful

towards fluorescence and sensing applications.

Project 2: Nanochemistry through green synthetic approach

Novel synthetic approach using curcumin, is made to synthesize nanoparticles that are later on used for optical and biomedical

sensing, luminescence studies and catalytic applications.

Project 3: Understanding membranes, protein and nanoassemblies:

Establish curcumin as a novel probe to study membrane/liposome properties such as permeability, fluidity, phase transition

temperature and inter-digitation.

Digambara Patra; Fluorescence, Biophysical and Bio-medical Chemistry

Students will acquire the

knowledge to enable them to

work in analytical,

pharmaceutical, nanochemistry,

drug delivery and environmental

treatment


Synthesis of heterocyclic Compounds:

a. Chemistry of Benzofurazan Oxide as a precursor to Quinoxlines

b. Chemistry of 1,2,4,5-Tetrazines as starting materials for eight-membered heterocycles.

c. Synthesis of cyclazines especially fluorescent systems.

d. Continued collaboration with Distinguished Professor Mark J. Kurth of the University of California at Davis in the areas of

heterocyclic Chemistry especially the Davis-Beirut Reaction and fluorescent cylazines.

e. Continued collaboration with Professor Hala Mohtasib of the Biology Department ,AUB, and Professor Mohammad EL-

Dakdouki of the Beirut Arab University, in the field of anti-cancer compounds.

Makhlouf Haddadin; Organic Synthesis, Heterocyclic Compounds and Medicinal Chemistry

All published papers are in

internationally well recognized

journals in organic chemistry.

All articles deal with basic

heterocyclic chemistry.

Knowledge acquired in the lab

enables students to work in drug

development and teaching

Division of Organic Chemistry

We hypothesize that a hybrid material composed of metal-based nanoparticles and biocompatible polymers functionalized with

nucleic bases will lead to magnetic-responsive hydrogels, that can potentially modulate tissue remodeling when exposed to a remote

alternating magnetic field. Biocompatible polysaccharides are functionalized with uracil derivatives and partially cross-linked with

calcium ions to increase the viscosity and reach the sol-gel transition. Functional magnetic nanoparticles are prepared by coating

adenine-substituted polymers on the surface of magnetite nanocrystals (Fe3O4) mixed with the polysaccharides, to form hybrid

hydrogels utilizing the additional hydrogen bonds between the complimentary base pairs.


Kamal Bouhadir; Polymer chemistry, Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry

Knowledge generated in

Polymer Chemistry can be

used in:

o Biotech development

o Pharmaceutical

companies

o Sensors and

biosensors

o Polymer industry

o Textile/paper industry

o Slow-Release

Fertilizers

o Water treatment

Dye Sensitized Solar cells (DSSC‟s) is the focus of our work. The DSSC is of low-cost, it is simple to make using conventional

roll-printing techniques and can be flexible and/or transparent which offers a variety of uses not applicable to glass-based

systems.

We design and synthesize new dyes and electrolyte systems and fabricate functioning solar cells and study their properties.

These properties include but not limited to; efficiency and long term stability.

Tarek Ghaddar; Organic Synthesis, Solar Energy and Medicinal Chemistry

A scheme of a DSSC is along with some dyes and electrolyte systems that we develop in our Laboratory.

N

N

S

N

N

S

N

N

S

.2 TfO-

T DT DSSC Operation Scheme Synthetic Dyes

New Organic-based Electrolyte System

The knowledge acquired

in this field of research has

led to developing new

solar cells materials that

currently used in solar cell

prototypes.


We work on the design, synthesis, purification, and complete characterization of novel organic semiconductors to be exploited in

optoelectronic devices such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), and organic field-effect

transistors (OFETs).

We are also interested in the use of intermolecular interactions to engineer the solid state packing of molecules to generate

networks. Such networks can potentially facilitate the transport of carriers and charges along the column axis of the stacks.

Bilal Kaafarani; Organic Synthesis and Solar Energy

Students are trained in organic

synthesis and in developing new

materials that can be used in various

industrial applications, mainly related

to films, sensors, displays, and solar

panels. Graduates can also work in

academia and lab supervisors


Our research focuses on the design of novel metal oxide materials via the sol-gel process

Project 1: Porous Silica Materials as Immobilization Media for Transition-Metal Substituted Polyoxometalates (POM): Our work

focuses on immobilizing various POMs onto ordered (MCM-41, MCM-48, SBA-15, etc) and non-ordered (silica and surface-

modified silica aerogels) inorganic solid networks prior to the investigation in heterogeneous catalysis.

Project 2: Silica, Titania, and Silica-Titania Aerogels as Potential Adsorbents for Organic Pollutants and Toxic Metals from

Wastewater: We investigate the application of aerogels in the removal of organic pollutants and toxic metals from aqueous media.

Project 3: Molecularly-imprinted Silica Aerogels for Selective Adsorption of Key-Drugs: We study for the first time the use of metal

oxide aerogels as molecularly imprinted materials.

Division of Inorganic Chemistry

Houssam El Rassy; Inorganic and Material Chemistry

O

Si CH2

H2CCH2

NH3+

Understanding the behavior of aerogels allows to:

o Promote the development of new light materials

used in sports accessories, environmental

samplers, and many other applications.

o Promote the development of insulating materials

used in construction and electric and electronic

devices.

o Develop new materials for molecular

fingerprinting and new analytical applications.

We use quantum chemical computational methods to address fundamental mechanistic questions of practical implications to

catalysis. Our current studies pertain to two classes of catalysts:

1. Catalysts for green synthesis In recent years specific octahedral ruthenium hydride complexes have been shown to catalyze the

unprecedented hydrogenation of esters and carboxamides using H2. Remarkably, the same catalysts could be adapted to catalyze

the reverse dehydrogenative coupling reactions, producing esters and carboxamides cleanly with H2 as the only “waste”. Our initial

calculations on these systems yielded a very novel finding which will impact the way this chemistry is viewed:. We are currently

exploring the scope of this reaction and its implications to catalyst design.

2. Catalysts for alkane functionalization In collaboration with Professors Ashfaq Bengali at TAMU-Qatar and Alan Goldman at

Rutgers University in the US we have initiated a research program in which computer-aided molecular design, synthesis, and

photochemical investigations are tightly integrated with the goal of understanding and ultimately developing new catalysts for alkane

functionalization.

Faraj Hassanayn; Inorganic and Computational Chemistry

The fundamental knowledge we

produce has immediate educational

value and direct implications to

green chemistry.

Alkane functionalization is one of

the most challenging problems in

chemistry, but any advancement in

this area can have a tremendous

economical impacts


Our research is directed toward developing and fabricating new functional materials that are based on inorganic and hybrid (organic

–inorganic) structures, and their applications in the fields of environmental remediation and clean energy production. The

development of such materials includes:

1. Design and synthesis of new metal oxide, oxynitride and sulfide nanostructures and nanocomposites for photocatalytic reactions

(e.g. water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction). The project focuses specifically on modification of material properties via doping,

morphological control and heterostructure design in order to optimize the light absorption and catalytic activity of the nanomaterials.

2. Design and construction of new crystalline porous materials (metal organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks

(COFs) and other related structures in the realm of reticular chemistry) with unique properties and applications including gas

storage, gas separation, and catalysis.

Mohamad Hmadeh; Inorganic Chemistry and Material Science

CB

VB

e-

h+

H2O

CO2

CH4

A B

These research directions will

provide an outstanding opportunity

to the students to develop new

materials and study their

applications in :

o Catalysis

o Gas storage and separation

o Water purification

o Solar fuel production


We are developing new methods for the treatment of water contaminated with micro-pollutants especially Pharmaceuticals and

Personal Care Products (PPCPs) and rapid analytical techniques for on-line monitoring of organic contaminants in effluents.

1. Engineered water treatment methods are mainly exploiting metallic systems e.g. Zero Valent Iron (ZVI), amended ZVI and iron-

based natural minerals e.g. ferrihydrite as activators of powerful oxidants (Persulfate, peroxides) in Advanced Oxidation Processes

(AOPs).

2. Developed sophisticated analytical instruments are based on the use of the spectroscopic properties of some organic molecules

able to release light, upon irradiation, after being deposited on solid matrices. The main advantage of such measurements remains

in the rapidity and specificity of the technique in complex matrices where several species are dissolved.

Antoine Ghauch; Analytical and Environmental Chemistry

Ghauch, A., Ayoub, G. Naim, S. (2013)

Degradation of sulfamethoxazole by persulfate

assisted micrometric Fe0 in aqueous solution.

Chem. Eng. J. 228, 1168-1181

Results can be directly used by:

o Municipalities

o Legislators

o Private companies

o Banks

o NGOs

o Hospitals

o Companies of the private sector to

develop new instrumentation for

on-line analysis.

o Consultancy firms Ghauch, A., Baydoun, H., Dermesropian, P.

(2011) Degradation of aqueous

carbamazepine in ultrasonic/Fe0/H2O2

systems. Chem. Eng. J. 172, 18-27.

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Division of Analytical Chemistry

Our research addresses topics in renewable energy, biosensing, and photochemistry at the ensemble and single molecule level.

1. We are exploring new and innovative methods to increase the efficiency of microbial fuel cells. This technology is based on the

catalytic reaction of electrogenic bacteria that converts biodegradable material and wastewater to electrical current.

2. We are developing sensors to detect, with high sensitivity, unlabeled DNA and disease biomarkers, using fluorescence

spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. This project aims at developing cheap diagnostic tools for early disease detection

3. We are also unraveling the photophysical properties of conjugated system when coupled to metal nanoparticles using ensemble

and single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy. This hybrid structure will prove instrumental in developing high efficient solar

cells and biosensing devices

Pierre Karam; Analytical Chemistry

Our research has a direct impact on the field

of medical diagnosis, environment, and

education.

We also envision starting a biotech

company in the future based on

technologies developed in our laboratory.

Proposed biosensor based on metal enhanced conjugated polymers

embedded in a lipid membrane.


Najat A. Saliba; Analytical and Atmospheric Chemistry

The Atmospheric and Analytical Laboratory (AAL) is committed to conducting research that is directly related to environmental issues

that take part of the Lebanese and regional culture.

1. Determine gas and aerosol concentration and chemical composition in the atmosphere, assess their sources and sinks, define

through various toxicity tests their potential health risk and understand their atmospheric processes in the Mediterranean and

semi-arid region.

2. Speciate smoke emitted from water pipe smoke (WPS), the understanding of their sources, their mechanisms of formation in

tobacco pyrolysis, and their stability and fates in environmental tobacco smoke

3. Use the state of the art analytical techniques to isolate and identify potent anti-cancer and anti-inflammation agents, thereby

validate endemic knowledge on medicinal terrestrial and marine plants.

Results can be directly used by:

o Municipalities

o Legislators

o Private companies

o NGOs

o Hospitals

o Companies of the private sector

to develop new instrumentation

for on-line analysis.

o Consultancy firms


Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department of Chemistry

For more information, please visit:

http://www.aub.edu.lb/fas/fas_home/academic-units/Pages/departments.aspx

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Degree in Chemistry (MS) - website.aub.edu.lb Flyer...The experimental and theoretical study of the underlying micro and macroscopic mechanisms of pattern formation in reaction-diffusion