Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar: Strategies Towards Enhanced Photocatalysis from Inorganic Oxides
Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar
Strategies Towards Enhanced Photocatalysis from Inorganic Oxides
Dr. Neal Abrams
Associate Professor of Chemistry
SUNY ESF
Event Details:
Bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) is a widely studied visible-light-active oxide with strong potential for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical energy conversion. Despite favorable electronic structure and stability, its performance is limited by inefficient charge transport and interfacial recombination. Overcoming these challenges requires precise control over materials synthesis and structure. This seminar will highlight our research on BiVO₄-based photocatalysts, focusing on how synthetic strategies and materials design influence photocatalytic behavior. We investigate how crystal structure and morphology affect light absorption and surface reactivity, as well as how these factors can be tuned to improve photocatalytic performance. Our work also explores compositional modification and coupling BiVO₄ with secondary materials to enhance charge transfer and catalytic efficiency. By using BiVO₄ as a model system, this research provides insight into broader challenges facing metal-oxide photocatalysts and illustrates how synthesis–structure–property relationships can guide rational materials design. The seminar will connect fundamental solid-state inorganic chemistry with applied goals in photocatalysis and sustainable energy conversion.
Speaker Bio:
Neal M. Abrams, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF), where he also serves as Associate Chair of Chemistry and Graduate Curriculum Coordinator. His research program centers on solid‑state inorganic chemistry, with particular emphasis on the solvothermal synthesis of oxides and oxynitrides relevant to energy and sustainability applications. In addition to his research, Dr. Abrams has a long record of leadership in chemistry and sustainability education. He has served as lead instructor for large‑enrollment general chemistry courses, developed environmentally themed laboratory curricula, and created undergraduate and online courses in sustainable energy and photovoltaic installation. He has also contributed to renewable energy education through in‑person and online instructional platforms. His work has been supported by the NSF, NYSERDA, ACS-PRF, and SUNY ESF. Dr. Abrams earned his B.S. from Ithaca College as well as certification in 7-12 Chemistry education, a Ph.D. in Chemistry from The Pennsylvania State University, and completed postdoctoral research at Cornell University. He is an active member of the ACS at the local and national levels and has served on several national committees. His work and interests integrate materials chemistry, curriculum innovation, and chemistry outreach.
Intended Audience:
All are Welcome!
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Event Snapshot
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This is an RIT Only Event
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