G. K. Surya Prakash

G. K. Surya Prakash is a Professor and George A. and Judith A. Olah Nobel Laureate Chair in Hydrocarbon Chemistry at the University of Southern California's Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on synthetic organic chemistry, electrochemistry, and energy-related chemistry, with emphasis on fluorination methods, battery technologies, and carbon-neutral energy cycles. He holds a Ph.D. from USC (1978), an M.S. from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (1974), and a B.S. from Bangalore University (1972).

His research interests include developing fluorination protocols (e.g., Ruppert-Prakash Reagent), superacid catalysis, and sustainable energy solutions like the Methanol Economy. He explores advanced battery systems (iron, lithium-ion, flow batteries) and CO2 conversion technologies. His work integrates electrochemical synthesis, polymer chemistry, and nanomaterials for energy storage and environmental sustainability.

Key projects involve CO2 capture/conversion to methanol, fluorinated reagents for drug discovery, and durable battery materials. He collaborates on redox flow batteries, solid-state electrolytes, and low-cost electrode substrates. His lab utilizes NMR spectroscopy, DFT calculations, and advanced analytical tools for mechanistic studies.

Notable contributions include advancements in difluoromethylation strategies, ionic liquid applications in catalysis, and sustainable energy storage solutions. His work bridges organic synthesis, materials science, and environmental chemistry to address global energy challenges.