Kathryn Knowles

Kathryn Knowles is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Rochester, part of the School of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on the synthesis, electrochemistry, and photophysics of metal oxide semiconductor nanomaterials, particularly exploring structure-function relationships in photoelectrodes and colloidal nanocrystals. She earned her PhD in Chemistry from Northwestern University in 2013.

Education:

• PhD in Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2013

Research Interests:

• Development of synthetic strategies for ternary metal oxide nanocrystals
• Understanding size, shape, and surface chemistry impacts on interfacial redox processes
• Exploring applications in solar energy capture and storage
• Design of rational approaches for nanocrystal synthesis using single-source molecular precursors

Key Research Themes: The Knowles group employs techniques like spectroelectrochemistry, photoconductivity, and time-resolved optical spectroscopy to investigate semiconductor nanomaterials. Recent work includes studies on spinel ferrites, vanadium oxides, and cobalt spinel oxides, emphasizing their electronic structures and photoinduced phenomena. The group also investigates environmental applications, such as pollutant adsorption using composite materials.

Awards/Grants:

• CAREER Grant (2021): Focuses on tuning electronic and photocatalytic properties of spinel oxide nanocrystals

Advising and Grants: Students in the Knowles group gain interdisciplinary expertise in physical, inorganic, and materials chemistry. The group has secured funding for projects involving nanocrystal synthesis and environmental remediation. Collaborations include studies on ligand effects in vanadium oxide phases and proton uptake in polyoxovanadate clusters.

Labs/Teams: Research is conducted in the Knowles group lab, equipped with advanced characterization tools including electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and time-resolved spectroscopies. The lab emphasizes translational research bridging fundamental chemistry and applied technologies for energy and environmental sustainability.