Darrin Muggli awarded NSF research grant Darrin Muggli (chemical engineering) has been awarded a three-year, $300,000 National Science Foundation research grant to design TiO2 nanotubes for the photocatalytic destruction of organophosphorous compounds. These hazardous pollutants are present in chemical warfare agents, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and detergents. Recent developments and rapid advances in TiO2 nanotube technology now allow for the production of an active photocatalyst that has significantly improved activity and adsorption capacity compared to current photocatalysts. Dr. Muggli’s research group has already synthesized a TiO2 nanotube photocatalyst that is four times as active as the current industry standard photocatalyst. Dr. Muggli’s method is particularly effective in destroying gas- and liquid-phase pollutants because it operates at ambient conditions and requires only oxygen (air), a non-toxic catalyst (TiO2), and a UV source (sunlight). The TiO2 catalyst can be coated readily on many surfaces (metal, glass, clothing, plastics, etc.) and used in air purification devices for vehicles and buildings. -- Wayne Seames, Associate Professor, Chemical Engineering, wayneseames@mail.und.edu, 701-777-2958