Research Overview

Dr. Mbindyo's Research in the interface of Analytical and Environmental and nanotechnology chemistry.  One area focus is on the study of mixed metal nanoparticles as inexpensive and highly efficient catalysts relevant to pharmaceutical industry. Efficient catalysts are important for green and chemistry and sustainability. The goal is to understand fundamental properties of these nanomaterials and use them in solving problems of interest to society.

Another area of research is development of new laboratory experiments that incorporate the principles of sustainability and green chemistry.

Dr. also Mbindyo maintains active collaboration with industry to solve challenging analytical problems of interest while giving students experience of real life application of chemistry. 

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Current Research Projects

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Mixed Metal Nanocatalysts:  We are designing mixed metal nanocatalysts consisting of precious metals and non‑coinage transition metals. We synthesize nanocatalysts with unique composition and investigate catalytic activity for reactions of interest in pharmaceuticals, agro-industry and renewable energy. 

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Biocompatible Polymer Nanoparticles: We design biocompatible polymer nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. We are interested in synthesis methods, chemical functionalization and understanding factors that govern stability of incorporated therapeutics. 

 

Sustainability in the Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory.  We develop new laboratory experiments that incorporate the principles of sustainability and green chemistry, reducing the amount of waste generated. We are also interested in ways to incorporate nanotechnology in the undergraduate classroom.

Other Projects: 1. Removal of nanoparticles from waste water using carbon nanofibers 2. Investigation of microemulsions as green-solvents 3. Pharmaceuticals in waste water 4. Various aspects of water quality analysis. 

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Industry Collaborations: Dr. Mbindyo collaborates with Industrial Partners to investigate and solve problems of interest to industry.