Research Summary
Research focuses on nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes, onions, capsules, metal oxide semiconductors, noble and transition metal catalysts and nitrides. Applications include composites, tribology, sensors, Li ion batteries, catalysis and optical pressure and temperature sensing. Current research includes energy utilization, storage, conversion, conservation and generation; carbon construction; microplasmas; and atmospheric research.
In the News
Research Keywords
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Projects
Recent Publications
Development of graphitic and non-graphitic carbons using different grade biopitch sources
Antil, B., Elkasabi, Y., Strahan, G. D. & Vander Wal, R. L., Jan 15 2025, In: Carbon. 232, 119770.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Distinguishing physical vs. chemical templating mechanisms for inducing graphitization in novolac matrix
Ike, S. N. & Wal, R. V., Apr 2025, In: Carbon Trends. 19, 100480.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Rare earth elements: Sector allocations and supply chain considerations
Nkiawete, M. M. & Vander Wal, R. L., Jan 2025, In: Journal of Rare Earths. 43, 1, p. 1-8 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Graphitizable Pitch from Microwave Plasma Pyrolysis of Natural Gas
Gharpure, A., Viswanathan, V., Mantri, A., Skoptsov, G. & Vander Wal, R. L., Mar 26 2024, In: ACS Omega. 9, 12, p. 14351-14355 5 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Graphitization Control Using Additives in Pitch Composites-Part II: Effect of Size, Stacking, Loading, and Composition of Graphene and Graphene Oxide on Crystallite Sizes
Gharpure, A. & Vander Wal, R. L., Feb 1 2024, In: Energy and Fuels. 38, 3, p. 2447-2452 6 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Optimizing Aromaticity for Graphitization
Gharpure, A. & Vander Wal, R. L., Sep 17 2024, In: ACS Omega. 9, 37, p. 38462-38466 5 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Upcycling Plastic Waste into Graphite Using Graphenic Additives for Energy Storage: Yield, Graphitic Quality, and Interaction Mechanisms via Experimentation and Molecular Dynamics
Gharpure, A., Kowalik, M., Vander Wal, R. L. & van Duin, A. C. T., Mar 18 2024, In: ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. 12, 11, p. 4565-4575 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Effect of carbonization methods on graphitization of soft and hard carbons
Ike, S. & Wal, R. V., Sep 2024, In: Carbon Trends. 16, 100382.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Improved Graphitization of Lignin by Templating Using Graphene Oxide Additives
Ike, S. N. & Vander Wal, R. L., Dec 16 2024, In: ACS Applied Bio Materials. 7, 12, p. 8319-8327 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Templating-induced graphitization of novolac using graphene oxide additives
Ike, S. N. & Wal, R. V., Sep 2024, In: Carbon Trends. 16, 100388.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Metal-Catalyzed Thermo-Catalytic Decomposition and Continuous Catalyst Generation
Nkiawete, M. M. & Vander Wal, R. L., Jul 2024, In: Catalysts. 14, 7, 414.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Enhancing Graphitic Carbon Precursors from Coal Pyrolysis: A Comparative Analysis of Microwave Plasma and Conventional Thermal Upgradation Methods
Gharpure, A. & Vander Wal, R. L., Oct 31 2023, In: ACS Omega. 8, 43, p. 40587-40599 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Graphitization Control Using Additives in Pitch Composites─Part I: Effect of Graphene on Temperature-Dependent Crystallite Size Evolution, Carbonization Reactions, and Mesophase Formation
Gharpure, A. & Vander Wal, R. L., Oct 19 2023, In: Energy and Fuels. 37, 20, p. 15587-15602 16 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Improving graphenic quality by oxidative liberation of crosslinks in non-graphitizable carbons
Gharpure, A. & Vander Wal, R., Jun 5 2023, In: Carbon. 209, 118010.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Structural Characteristics and Graphitizability of Tars from Thermal versus Microwave Plasma Pyrolysis of Coals
Gharpure, A., Viswanathan, V., Mantri, A., Skoptsov, G. & Vander Wal, R. L., 2023, (Accepted/In press) In: ACS Omega.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review