Randy L. Vander Wal

IEE Faculty Member
Titles and Affiliations
Professor, John and Willie Leone Department of Energy & Mineral Engineering (EME)

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

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 journalArticlepeer-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 journalArticlepeer-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 journalArticlepeer-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 journalArticlepeer-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 journalArticlepeer-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 journalArticlepeer-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 journalArticlepeer-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 journalArticlepeer-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 journalArticlepeer-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 journalArticlepeer-review

Synthetic Pitch from Solvent Extraction of Coal as a Source for High-Quality Graphite

Gharpure, A., Vander Wal, R. L. & Pisupati, S., Jun 2023, In: C-Journal of Carbon Research. 9, 2, 56.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

NdFeB Permanent Magnet Uses, Projected Growth Rates and Nd Plus Dy Demands across End-Use Sectors through 2050: A Review

Heim, J. W. & Vander Wal, R. L., Oct 2023, In: Minerals. 13, 10, 1274.

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Thermo-Catalytic Decomposition Comparisons: Carbon Catalyst Structure, Hydrocarbon Feed and Regeneration

Nkiawete, M. M. & Wal, R. V., Oct 2023, In: Catalysts. 13, 10, 1382.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Pulsed laser heating of diesel engine and turbojet combustor soot: Changes in nanostructure and implications

Vander Wal, R. L., Singh, M., Bachalo, W., Payne, G., Manin, J. & Howard, R., 2023, In: Aerosol Science and Technology. 57, 10, p. 1044-1056 13 p.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Carbon Composites—Graphene-Oxide-Catalyzed Sugar Graphitization

Singh, M. & Vander Wal, R. L., Mar 2022, In: C-Journal of Carbon Research. 8, 1, 15.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review