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The McCunn Research Laboratory studies the thermal decomposition of organic compounds with a pulsed, gas-phase hyperthermal nozzle coupled to a matrix-isolation FTIR spectrometer. In our experiments, a hydrocarbon is mixed with argon gas and flows through a heated tube. |
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Schematic of a hyperthermal nozzle, or pyrolyzer, spraying a sample onto a window for spectroscopic analysis |
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Research Opportunities for Students An undergraduate research experience is a great way to develop both scientific and professional skills. Marshall University students can get involved in independent research as early as their freshman year. Students can volunteer in a lab to learn more about research techniques and projects. They can also receive academic credit for working in the lab throughout the semester. During the summer, there are a few paid positions for student researchers who work in the lab full-time for ten weeks. Summer research students get to participate in the Department of Chemistry’s Summer Research Program, which includes educational fields trips, social events, and the opportunity to give an oral presentation at the department’s symposium. Students who are interested in research experience should contact Dr. McCunn for a lab tour. |
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The high temperature (up to 1500 K) causes bonds in the hydrocarbon molecules to break. The products are frozen on a cold window, a process called matrix isolation. An FTIR spectrometer measures the vibrational frequencies of the products so they can be identified. Understanding the thermal decomposition of hydrocarbons is important to fields such as combustion, biofuels, and atmospheric chemistry. |