Gabriel Caruntu

Gabriel Caruntu is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Central Michigan University, where he leads an active research group focused on the synthesis and characterization of advanced functional nanomaterials. His work bridges chemistry, materials science, and engineering, targeting applications in energy, catalysis, and electronics.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Orleans, France (1998)
• M.Sc. in Materials Science, University Paris 6, France (1993)
• B.Sc. in Chemistry, University of Iasi, Romania (1992)

His research centers on colloidal chemistry, self-assembly of nanocrystals, and the development of ferroic and multiferroic nanomaterials. He investigates nanostructured oxides such as BaTiO3 and MgCr2O4, focusing on controlling size, shape, composition, and internal structure. His group explores nanocomposites, core-shell architectures, and 1D hybrid structures for applications in energy storage, sensing, and spintronics. Characterization techniques include in situ TEM, piezoresponse force microscopy, and diffraction methods.

The recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in nanoscale ferroelectricity, doping effects in perovskites, and multifunctional nanocomposites. The work spans fundamental synthesis to device-oriented materials, with a focus on solution-processed and self-assembled nanostructures.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• Best Poster Presentation Award (awarded to student Benard, 2 consecutive years at Michigan Microscopy and Microanalysis Conference)
• Poster displayed at Museum of Cultural and Natural History (Tommaso Costanzo, 2018)

Gabriel Caruntu actively mentors graduate students, including Ph.D. advisees like Tommaso Costanzo and new students Prabodha Mendis and Suporna Paul. His research is supported by collaborative grants and institutional funding, enabling publication in high-impact journals such as Nature Materials, ACS Applied Nano Materials, and Chemistry – A European Journal. He has contributed to tutorial reviews, indicating leadership in the magnetoelectric nanocomposites field.

He leads the Caruntu Research Group, which focuses on nanostructured materials for energy applications. The team works on assembling nano-objects into hierarchical hybrid structures such as polymer-ceramic nanocomposites and core-shell nanoparticles, aiming to fabricate functional devices with tailored topologies.