Two PhD graduates, Gavin Lindsay and Rachel Nixon, were awarded the 2025 Klemperer Award for Outstanding Materials Chemistry Ph.D. Thesis in the Department of Chemistry.
In back-to-back presentations to the department on May 15, 2025, Nixon presented her thesis, “Toward the sustainable production of ammonia by integration of electrochemistry with light energy and nanostructured catalysts," and Lindsay presented his thesis, “SERS Investigations of Additive Interactions at Cu Surfaces."
Gavin Lindsay
Advised by Prof. Andrew Gewirth, Lindsay's research focuses on additive interactions at the Cu surface during Cu electrodeposition and electroless deposition for the metallization of semiconductors. Lindsay said his work provides insight into the interactions and mechanisms that affect the kinetics of both deposition processes, helping to provide a more complete understanding of the role of additives in these processes.
Electrodeposition and electroless deposition processes are currently utilized in the semiconductor industry as a key step to produce microchips, Lindsay explained. Insights from his research can help guide formulations of new bath compositions to improve these processes, he said.
After graduating, Lindsay plans to pursue a position in industry in which he can continue working to advance the Cu electrodeposition process.
"It has been incredibly rewarding to see my curiosity and dedication culminate in this milestone, allowing me to continue to follow my passion in my future career," said Lindsay, who credited his advisor, Prof. Gewirth, and his research group members, professors, and teachers for impacting his educational journey.
"They have molded me into the scientist I am today and inspired me to follow my passions," Lindsay said.
Rachel Nixon
Advised by chemistry Prof. Prashant Jain, Nixon's doctoral research focused on improving the efficiency of the electrochemical conversion of nitrate and nitrite to ammonia.
"I have studied how modulating electrocatalyst material composition can improve selectivity for ammonia. I have also studied how incorporating the stimulus of light into the electrochemical nitrate reduction system can boost ammonia synthesis rates," Nixon explained.
Nitrate and nitrite are industrial and agricultural waste products which pollute many bodies of water across the world, posing threats to the environment and human health, Nixon said, and ammonia is an important commodity chemical used for fertilizer and is a promising alternative fuel due to its several advantages over liquid hydrogen.
"By optimizing the electrochemical conversion of nitrate and nitrite to value-added ammonia, we can therefore incentivize environmental remediation efforts," she said.
A major highlight of her research experience in the Jain lab was a discovery that led to her first co-first-author publication as a graduate student.
" While working closely with my colleague Dr. Enrique Contreras, we were able to identify the underlying mechanism that caused the light-driven enhancement in ammonia electrosynthesis rate which aided in answering a long-standing question in the field of plasmon-assisted electrochemistry," she said.
After graduation, Nixon plans to pursue a postdoctoral appointment at a government lab to serve as a springboard for becoming a staff scientist.
Nixon also served as the Chair of the Department of Chemistry's Joint Safety Team.
"I enjoyed working with my fellow board members to pioneer new safety awareness initiatives in collaboration with the Division of Research Safety and industry professionals. I have learned a lot from my time in the JST about fostering a positive safety culture, and I hope to carry this knowledge with me throughout my career in experimental science," she said.
Nixon said she is thankful to her advisor, Professor Jain, for his guidance and support throughout her graduate career.
"I always appreciated the chances I had to ask questions and receive his detailed and exciting explanations in response. This enthusiasm and nurtured curiosity sustained my interest in pursuing a career in research," Nixon said. "The U. of I. chemistry department has given me many opportunities to advance my career, and I am truly grateful to have had the chance to pursue my Ph.D. here. I also appreciate the chance this award has given me to share our team's findings with the broader chemistry community."