Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

FSU psychologist awarded $5.7M to study PTSD, pain

A Florida State University researcher has been awarded $5.7 million to conduct two research studies that will give scientists a better understanding of the brain mechanisms surrounding post-traumatic stress disorder and pain, paving the way for safer, more effective treatment options. Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Wen Li has received a five-year, $1.9 million […]

FSU chemist earns NSF CAREER Award for contributions to solar energy research

A Florida State University chemist has earned one of the most prestigious awards available to early career faculty members for her work to improve solar cell efficiency. Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Lea Nienhaus is the recipient of a Faculty Early Career Development Award, or CAREER Award, from the National Science Foundation for her […]

Innovating for the sea: U.S. Navy grant helps FSU chemist protect ships from marine fouling

On ships and in ports around the world, plants, algae and marine animals such as barnacles find homes on whatever surfaces they can reach, a problem that costs the shipping industry billions of dollars each year. Known as “marine fouling,” these organisms are adapted to living on all manner of surfaces. Marine fouling accumulated on […]

Powering Up: Research team develops strategy for better solid-state batteries

A team from Florida State University and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has developed a new strategy to build solid-state batteries that are less dependent on specific chemical elements, particularly pricey metals with supply chain issues. Their work was published in the journal Science. Bin Ouyang, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, […]

Turning red: FSU researchers develop new method to produce next-gen LED

A Florida State University research team has developed a method to create red-emitting LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, with next-generation materials. Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Biwu Ma and other FSU researchers published their work in the scientific journal Advanced Materials. Ma and his team engineered a small molecular change to address the low conductivity of […]

FSU supports faculty moving research to the marketplace

Research to improve 3D printing algorithms, develop better materials for measuring radiation and test the effectiveness of steroid treatments all received funding from a Florida State University program that supports faculty interested in transforming their academic work into commercial ventures. FSU’s Office of the Vice President for Research awarded faculty members more than $132,000 through […]

Here comes the sun: Research team mimics nature to create hydrogen fuel

The best answers to scientific questions can often be found in nature. A team of scientists from Florida State University and University of South Carolina have found a way to mimic photosynthesis — converting light energy into chemical fuel in the lab. Their study is published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. “One […]

FSU chemistry doctoral student receives Department of Energy research award to build safer, better batteries

People use lithium-ion batteries every day to power devices from toys to smartphones to electric vehicles and more, but organic liquid materials used to design these batteries are extremely flammable under certain conditions. A Florida State University doctoral student working to replace these materials with safer alternatives will get the chance to further this work […]

FSU faculty available to speak for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

More than 264,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the United States. Although deaths from breast cancer have declined over time, it remains the second-leading cause of cancer death among women. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to focus on the impact of this disease. Florida State University faculty are […]

FSU team develops new strategy to create blue light from promising material

A Florida State University research team has developed a new way to create blue light from a class of materials that shows enormous potential for optoelectronic devices, including solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and lasers. Led by FSU Professor of Chemistry Biwu Ma, the team has published a new study in Advanced Energy Materials that […]

Research with a peel: FSU study on banana browning could help tackle food waste

New research from Florida State University won’t only help you nail the timing for your banana bread — it could also help reduce millions of tons of food waste from the widely cultivated fruit. A team of FSU researchers investigated the formation and spread of brown spots on bananas, a striking case of biological pattern […]

FSU’s ‘Art in STEM’ returns for 8th year, highlights the beauty and artistry of science 

Florida State University’s annual “Art in STEM” exhibition returns for its eighth year April 23, inviting a global audience to experience stunning visuals created by researchers in science, technology, engineering and math disciplines. The event is hosted by FSU’s Graduate Women in STEM (GWIS), in collaboration with the FSU College of Arts and Sciences and […]