Eric H. Majzoub

Eric H. Majzoub is a Full Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Missouri-St. Louis within the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry since 2013 and previously served as Associate Director of the Center for Nanoscience (2011-2016).

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Physics from Washington University (2000) and a B.S. in Physics from the same institution (1993). Prior to his academic career at UMSL, he worked as a Senior Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories (2002).

Majzoub's research spans theoretical and experimental materials physics with evolving focus areas. His current work centers on emergent geometry from large N matrix models, AdS/CFT correspondence, non-commutative geometry, and entanglement entropy of interacting quantum systems. Previously (pre-2018), his research focused on hydrogen storage in complex hydrides, Li-ion battery anode materials, nanoporous frameworks for energy storage, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and crystal structure prediction using Monte Carlo techniques. His group utilizes first-principles quantum chemistry, density functional theory, and computational modeling to investigate electronic, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of advanced materials.

Analysis of his recent publications (2014-2022) reveals a strong emphasis on hydrogen storage materials, particularly complex metal hydrides (LiBH₄, NaAlH₄, Ca(BH₄)₂) and their behavior when confined in nanoporous carbon frameworks. His work demonstrates expertise in nanoconfinement strategies to modify decomposition pathways, enhance kinetics, and eliminate undesirable byproducts like diborane. Additional research areas include Li-ion battery materials (anode development, diffusion studies) and fundamental investigations of crystal structures in metal hydride systems using neutron diffraction and NMR spectroscopy.

As an educator, Majzoub teaches graduate courses including Quantum Mechanics I & II, and undergraduate courses such as Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Computational Physics, and Solid State Physics. He also leads the Journal Club (P6410) every semester and has developed educational resources including primers on quantum mechanics and string theory basics.

Majzoub maintains active experimental and computational research programs with expertise in crystal structure prediction, materials characterization (NMR, neutron diffraction, Raman spectroscopy), and first-principles calculations. His work bridges theoretical physics concepts with practical energy storage applications, particularly in the development of next-generation hydrogen storage and battery materials.