James E. Whitten

James E. Whitten is a Professor and Transfer Coordinator at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, affiliated with the Kennedy College of Sciences and Department of Chemistry. He is also a member of the Center for Advanced Materials.

Education

• Ph.D., Physical Chemistry (1991), Ohio State University
• B.S., Chemistry and Mathematics (1985), University of Alabama at Birmingham

Research Interests
Professor Whitten specializes in physical chemistry at surfaces and interfaces, with a focus on polymer/metal interfaces for organic electronic devices (OLEDs, OPVs). His group investigates surface diffusion for heteroepitaxy, electron-induced polymerization of conjugated molecules, and photoluminescence of modified metal oxides. Keywords include Materials Chemistry, Nanotechnology, and Catalysis, with specific applications in chemical sensing, smart materials, and surface engineering.

Publications Trends
His recent work emphasizes metal oxide surface modification, thiol functionalization, and photoluminescent sensors. Key subfields include ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles, gold metallization, and electron/X-ray-induced polymerization for sensing and optoelectronic applications.

Scientific Awards

• Member and Secretary of Local Chapter of Sigma Xi (2000)
• Member of American Chemical Society (1985)

Grants and Contracts
He has secured funding from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Army Research Office, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and Research Corporation for projects on nanomanufacturing, surface chemistry, and sensor development.