Alexei P. Sokolov

Alexei P. Sokolov is a Professor and ORNL Governor’s Chair at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, jointly affiliated with the Department of Physics and Astronomy and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He leads the Soft Matter group, focusing on fundamental and applied research in polymer dynamics, soft materials, and energy-related materials. His work bridges physics, chemistry, and materials science, with strong collaborations across national laboratories and academic institutions.

His research interests include the glass transition and dynamics of soft materials, polymer nanocomposites, materials for clean energy (such as battery electrolytes, fuel cell membranes, and CO₂ capture systems), and biological macromolecules. He explores how molecular architecture and interfacial interactions govern macroscopic properties, with a growing focus on sustainable and recyclable polymers using dynamic bonds.

His recent publications (2018–2022) reveal a strong trend in advanced polymer design, including vitrimers, self-healing elastomers, and polymerized ionic liquids. A significant portion of his work addresses energy storage and conversion, particularly in lithium and sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and next-generation membranes. Techniques such as dielectric spectroscopy, neutron scattering, and TERS are frequently employed to probe dynamics at multiple length and time scales.

• Fellow of the American Physical Society (2008)
• Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement in Science (AAAS) (2012)
• Member of the National Academy of Inventors (2011)
• University of Akron Outstanding Researcher Award (2007)

Sokolov has secured significant funding through collaborations with ORNL and federal agencies, enabling large-scale experimental and computational studies. He has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom are co-authors on high-impact publications. His leadership in the Soft Matter group fosters interdisciplinary research in sustainable materials and energy technologies. The group actively collaborates with chemists, physicists, and engineers to develop novel functional materials with real-world applications.

Facilities at ORNL, including neutron sources and advanced spectroscopy tools, play a critical role in his research. His team also engages in computational modeling in collaboration with theorists to interpret experimental data. Future work is expected to expand into stimuli-responsive materials, recyclable polymers, and next-generation energy storage systems with improved safety and performance.