Russell Tonkyn, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist, Fundamental and Computational Sciences Directorate, Chemical and Material Sciences Division, Chemical Structure and DynamicsCurrent Activities and Projects
My current research involves fundamental investigations of NOx catalysts for the treatment of NOx emissions from lean burn gasoline and light duty diesel engines. The goal is a 90% chemical reduction of NO to N2 in light duty diesel exhaust with less than a 5% fuel penalty. Other current research projects include the investigation of the liquid water-vacuum interface and the development of a quantitatively accurate database of infrared spectra.
Research Interests
General research interests include gas phase chemical kinetics, laser spectroscopy and the interaction of light with liquid and solid surfaces. I am also interested in catalysis chemistry, particularly as it applies to environmental cleanup issues.
Past Experience
Research Scientist (1992-1995), Senior Research Scientist (1996-2007) PNNL
Chemical reduction of NOx in diesel exhaust by plasma-catalysis; construction of an apparatus for injecting a liquid jet into high vacuum; effects of low energy electron irradiation on water ice and halide crystals; laser detection of small atomic and molecular species; destruction of gas phase pollutants in a corona reactor.
Research Associate (Oct. 1991-Oct 1992) PNNL
Angular distributions of photoelectrons; high resolution atomic spectroscopy with single frequency dye lasers.
Research Associate (Feb. 1988-Sept 1991) Brookhaven National Lab
Generation of coherent vacuum ultraviolet radiation; photoelectron and photoionization spectroscopy of small molecules; high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy via pulsed field ionization (ZEKE spectroscopy).
Education
Research Associate (Oct. 1991-Oct 1992) PNNL
Angular distributions of photoelectrons; high resolution atomic spectroscopy with single frequency dye lasers.
Research Associate (Feb. 1988-Sept 1991) Brookhaven National Lab
Generation of coherent vacuum ultraviolet radiation; photoelectron and photoionization spectroscopy of small molecules; high-resolution photoelectron spectroscopy via pulsed field ionization (ZEKE spectroscopy).
1988 Ph. D. in Physical Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Thesis Title: Reactions of Gas Phase Transition Metal Ions with Small Hydrocarbons.
Awards, Honors, & Appointments
2003 Federal Laboratory Consortium Award for Technology Transfer; Team Member, "Engine Exhaust Aftertreatment System Based on Non-Thermal Plasma-Assisted Catalysis"
R&D 100 award, October, 2001; Team Member
"Catalyst Materials for Plasma-Catalysis Engine Exhaust Treatment"
