Faculty Directory
Dan Knauss
Associate Dean of Energy and Materials
Professor, Department of Chemistry
Contact Information
158 Coolbaugh Hall
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
Biography
Polymer and materials chemistry is a vibrant area of research key to continued technological progress particularly in the areas of nanomaterials and nanotechnology. Research in the Knauss Group is dedicated to the study of macromolecular chemistry and characterization of new materials and the development of their application. Current research interests include: the synthesis of new types of polymers, the control of polymer architecture and functionalization, and the study of new reaction mechanisms through monomer and polymer synthesis. The types of applications include polymeric photovoltaics, packaging using polymers from renewable resources, fuel cell membranes, and water purification. Research has been funded in recent years by the NSF, EPA, PRF, Kraton Polymers, DOE, AFOSR, and ARO.
Education
- BS – The Pennsylvania State University
- PhD – Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Postdoctoral Study – École Polytechnic Fédérale de Lausanne
Labs & Research Centers
Research Pillars
Fundamentals
Research Focus Areas
Materials Discovery
Research Keywords
Materials Design | Materials Synthesis & Processing | Organics Polymers & Plastics