Meet Dr. Chris Exstrom
NSRI Fellow Dr. Chris Exstrom, professor of chemistry at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), focuses his research on inorganic, analytical and physical materials chemistry. His areas of interest include:
- Non-vacuum preparation methods and characterization of semiconductor nanocrystalline materials for solar cell applications
- Characterization of novel corn-based ash fortified concrete
- Characterization and aerogel-embedding of femtosecond laser surface processed metal surfaces
Q&A
Why are you interested in supporting national security?
A citizenry cannot thrive when there is uncertainty regarding its safety. There is a wide variety of pathways for research to support national security, including deterrence of outside threats, military personnel safety and energy and infrastructure sustainability. Also, our country has a long tradition of national security related research evolving into applications and benefits for society at large.
What national security challenges do you think you could offer your expertise to solve?
Sustainability in energy production and infrastructure is crucial in order to carry out the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) primary mission. Through the office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations and Environment, the DOD places a priority on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing its carbon footprint.
How do you think your area of expertise can contribute to national security challenges?
My research expertise in materials chemistry — including semiconductor nanoparticles as solar energy precursor materials and characterization of cement and concrete materials — can contribute toward more sustainable infrastructure manufacturing for installations at home and around the world.
What are you working on now that excites you and why?
I am involved in a federally-funded study on the reaction between recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and carbon dioxide. This converts the calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrate in the RCA to calcium carbonate; a stronger material that enables more RCA to be recycled in new concrete manufacturing while sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. My engineer collaborators are developing reactors to scale-up this process with the goal of significantly reducing our country's concrete manufacturing footprint.
What do you see in the next five or 10 years in your space that you think is important for national security leaders to consider?
We are already seeing worldwide shortages of elements, such as lithium and indium, that are critical for electronics and other materials applications. This problem will continue and expand to other elements over the next five to 10 years. Research on the development of alternative materials systems is very important.
Learn more about Dr. Exstrom via his UNK Bio.
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