Surya Prakash

Dr. Surya Prakash is Distinguished Professor and holder of the George A. and Judith A. Olah Nobel Laureate Chair in Hydrocarbon Chemistry at the University of Southern California, with joint appointments in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Materials Science. He directs the Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute and leads pioneering research in synthetic organic chemistry, energy storage, and sustainable fuel technologies.

His research focuses on hydrocarbon chemistry, organofluorine chemistry, catalysis, and sustainable energy solutions including the 'Methanol Economy' concept. Prakash developed breakthrough technologies in direct methanol fuel cells and carbon dioxide conversion systems licensed to industry partners.

Publication analysis reveals persistent themes in fluorine chemistry (45%), energy storage systems (30%), and catalytic CO2 conversion (25%), with applications spanning sustainable fuels, battery technology, and synthetic methodology.

• Arthur C. Cope Late Career Scholar Award
• Prix Henri Moissan Prize for Excellence in Fluorine Chemistry
• George A. Olah National Award in Hydrocarbon Chemistry
• ACS National Award for Creative Work in Fluorine Chemistry
• USC Raubenheimer Outstanding Senior Faculty Award

Prakash leads multiple energy research initiatives through the Loker Institute, collaborating with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on fuel cell technologies and developing sustainable carbon capture systems. His patented CO2-to-methanol conversion processes have been commercially licensed.