James Whitten

My research group has expertise in surface chemistry. We are presently performing work in four major areas: 1) electronic structure of organic-organic and organic-metal interfaces; 2) metal oxide surface chemistry; 3) self-assembled thiol and silane monolayers; and 4) chemical sensors. This research has applications in various technological areas, including organic photovoltaic devices, residual life indicators for air filtration, nanotechnology and nanomanufacturing, and detection of explosives.

The Whitten group also has interests in developing experiments to modernize the physical chemistry laboratory curriculum. Since 1998, we have published seven papers in the Journal of Chemical Education or The Chemical Educator related to using diode lasers and light-emitting diodes as low-cost spectroscopic light sources. Most of these experiments are in-place in our Physical Chemistry teaching laboratories at UMass Lowell, and many have been adopted by other colleges and universities in the United States.

A wealth of knowledge and equipment in surface chemistry, physical chemistry, and polymer science is available at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Whitten is an active member of both the Center for High-Rate Nanomanufacturing (CHN) and Center for Advanced Materials. We have had research grants from various agencies, including the National Science Foundation, Army Research Office, the Petroleum Research Fund of the American Chemical Society, Research Corporation, the Camille and Henry Drefyuss Foundation, and the Army Research Laboratory.

Please examine my web site and feel free to contact me if you have questions about the Chemistry Department or our research and educational programs.