Russell Schmehl

Russell Schmehl is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Tulane University's School of Science & Engineering. His research focuses on photochemistry, materials science, and transition metal chemistry, with specific interests in light harvesting for solar energy conversion and photocatalysts for chemical energy production. His group employs synthetic chemistry and laser spectroscopy to study chromophores and surface-deposited materials.

Education:

• Ph.D. (1980) from University of North Carolina

Schmehl's research explores light harvesting arrays for solar energy conversion, photocatalysts for chemical energy production, and luminescent materials for OLEDs. Recent work investigates factors influencing reactivity and stability of visible chromophores through organic/inorganic synthesis and laser spectroscopy. The group also studies surface morphology control for luminescent applications.

Schmehl's publications demonstrate a strong focus on photochemical processes in renewable energy contexts. Key themes include proton-coupled electron transfer mechanisms, photocatalytic hydrogen/CO2 reduction, and transition metal catalyst design. His collaborative work frequently appears in high-impact journals like the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Research Leadership:

• Recipient of $1.4M DOE grant (2022) for hydrogen production research

As director of the Schmehl Research Group, he leads graduate students and collaborators in interdisciplinary projects combining synthesis, spectroscopy, and materials characterization.