Dr. Tianbo Liu, A. Schulman Professor in The University of Akron (UA) School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering (SPSPE), has received a $450,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) award as part of a $750,000 collaborative project with the University of Chicago. The project, funded by the Division of Chemistry (CHE) of the NSF and titled “Collaborative Research: Fundamental Characterizations of Hydrophilic Macroions – Hydration Shell Thicknesses, Counterion Distribution and Intermolecular Distances,” will investigate how charged molecules interact in solution.

UA will lead the collaborative research effort, with $450,000 supporting research at UA and $300,000 supporting research at the University of Chicago. Collaborators at the University of Chicago include Dr. Matthew Tirrell, Dr. Mrinal Bera and Dr. Wei Chen.

Charged molecules are found in many biological and material systems, but their interactions can be complex. Liu and his collaborators will study how water and charged small counterions surrounding these large molecules influence their behavior and interactions.

Using advanced techniques including analytical ultracentrifugation and anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering, the researchers will measure molecular characteristics that help determine how charged molecules interact in solution.

“Understanding these interactions at a fundamental level is important because they play a role in how many complex molecular systems behave,” said Liu. “This research will allow us to quantitatively characterize these interactions for the first time and provide a better understanding of the fundamental principles governing charged macromolecules in solution.”

“This NSF award recognizes the strength of Dr. Liu’s research and the collaborative research environment within our School,” said Dr. Mesfin Tsige, director of the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. “Research that advances our fundamental understanding of molecular interactions strengthens UA’s leadership in polymer science and creates new opportunities for discovery and innovation.”

About Dr. Tianbo Liu

Liu is the A. Schulman Professor in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at UA. His research focuses on the physical chemistry of complex solution systems, including charged macromolecules, polyelectrolytes, nanoparticles and biomacromolecules. His research has been heavily supported by the NSF, currently from four different divisions (CHE, Division of Materials Research (DMR), Chemical, Bioengineering, Energy, and Transport Systems (CBET), and a multi-PI Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) program led by Dr. Steven Chuang, also from SPSPE).

Liu joined UA in 2013 and has received numerous honors for his research, including an NSF CAREER Award, an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship and election as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Stony Brook University.