Richard Axelbaum

Richard Axelbaum is the Stifel & Quinette Jens Professor of Environmental Engineering Science at Washington University in St. Louis, affiliated with the McKelvey School of Engineering’s Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering. He directs the Consortium for Clean Coal Utilization and leads the Laboratory for Advanced Combustion and Energy Research. His work focuses on combustion phenomena, pollutants reduction, carbon capture, and nanomaterials for energy applications.

Education:

• BS in Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis (1977)
• MS in Chemical Engineering, University of California–Davis (1983)
• PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of California–Davis (1988)

Research Interests: Axelbaum investigates combustion science, including oxy-coal combustion, microgravity flames, and hydrogen safety. He develops materials for energy storage (e.g., battery nanomaterials) and environmental technologies. Recent efforts emphasize carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions to address climate change.

Awards and Recognition:

• Named National Academy of Inventors Senior Member (2022)
• Five patents and over 105 peer-reviewed publications

Advising and Collaborations: Formerly chaired AP Materials, Inc., a nanomaterials startup acquired by Cabot Corporation. Currently oversees a combustion experiment aboard the International Space Station. Affiliated with the Center for Aerosol Science and Engineering and the Institute of Materials Science & Engineering.

Labs and Teams: Directs the Consortium for Clean Coal Utilization and the Laboratory for Advanced Combustion and Energy Research, fostering interdisciplinary research in energy sustainability and environmental engineering.