During the past years my primary work is directed at advancements in nano-engineering of new materials. The work is performed at the Center for Applied Energy Research in cooperation with Argonne National Lab and the US Department of Energy. Many of the materials have significance in geological settings including nano-clays, nano-micas and titanium oxides as well as iron oxyhydroxides. I am investigating the growth and reaction mechanisms, dislocations in structurally distinct phases and polycrystalline materials.

The design and synthesis of materials with nanometer dimensions (1-10 nm) are the subject of intense current research, especially in the fields of chemical and bio-engineering, but need also be applied to the area of geochemistry. Additional work using nano-clays and iron oxy-hydroxide crystals is aimed at the field of mineral kinetics (reactions taking place during diagenesis and maturation in sedimentary basins or hydrothermal mineralization involving active spreading zones).

The design of hybrids or nano-composites with intercalation of layered solids is work I participate in with the automotive and polymer industries. This type of nano-particle research involves the formation and structural enhancements of hybrids where either two or several nanoparticles are interlaced in a polymer materix. In collaboration with the Center for Catalysis at UK and also industrial support several studies are focused on controlling nanoparticle growth through substrate design. It is envisioned that metallocene, single site catalysts, could be incorporated into the interlayer spacing in nanoclays. The chemically functionalized templates are incorporated into structural polymeric materials to help tailor properties such as the molecular architecture, density and crystallinity of the polymer matrix while the nanoclay particles improve the mechanical, thermal and flame-retardant properties with additions of only minute amounts of nanosized clay platelets.

The nanocoposites represent a radical alternative to conventional macroscopic composites. Markedly improved mechanical and physical properties are observed. Improved strength, fire and flame resistance and also gas permeabilities of nano-hybrid materials may in fact also be important to protect, preserve, and reshape our way of thinking about geochemical processes.

Other areas of my research involve fuel cells with emphasis on hydrogen production and storage. I am actively involved in the World Fuel Cell Council and European Fuel Cell Forum (Switzerland). I also serve on the National Hydrogen Association. At the Center for Applied Energy Research I have been involved in the organizational aspects of the International Coal Ash Utilization Symposium, a forum that addresses research and technology in the field of coal combustion by-products.

Graham U.M. and Hoffman A. 2000, Nanoengineering opens new perspectives for biogenesis. Nature, in review.

Graham U. M. and Thomas G. A. 1999., Chemically active aerogel-aly ash composites for mercury clean-up. International Ash Utilization Symposium Proceedings, 159-166.

Shuh-Jeng Liaw, Ajoy Raje, Xiang X. Bi, P.C. Eklund, U.M. Graham and B. H. Davis 1999, Hydrotreatment of Naphta with Molybdenum Nitride Catalysts. Energy and Fuels, 1999,9. 921-927.

Foner, H.A., Robl, T.L., Hower, J.C., and Graham, U.M., 1999, Some characteristics and potential uses of coal fly ash from Israel: Fuel, v. 78, 215-223.