Two Radford University chemistry students presented their most recent research findings at national meetings in June.
Dennis Godward, a junior from Bedford, presented his research in Washington, D.C., at the 16th annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference, which focused on the role of chemistry in sustainability and covered a range of topics, including renewable energy, green pharmaceuticals and green chemistry education.
Godward’s presentation, "Useful Carbon Nano-Materials Produced through Dehydration of Crude Glycerol from Biodiesel Production," was based on the synthesis of carbon nanoparticles that can easily be produced from glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production.
RU chemistry Professor Francis Webster said these highly functionalized carbon materials have superior catalytic and adsorptive properties compared with commercial petroleum-based products now available.
Godward was named a National Science Foundation Scholar for the meeting and was provided travel funds to present his work. He was chosen from a pool of candidates including undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students from across the country, Webster said.
