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School of Engineering

People J. Karl Johnson

Interim Chairman

W.K. Whiteford Professor

Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

NETL Faculty Fellow


412-624-5644
Fax: 412-624-9639
Office: 1250 Benedum Hall

Education

PhD in Chemical Engineering, Cornell University, 1992

Professional Interests

Dr. Johnson joined the department in 1995 after completing a National Research Council Research Associate Fellowship at the Naval Research Laboratory (1992-1994). His research involves molecular modeling of complex systems using the tools of statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and equations of state. The overall goal of his research is to develop accurate engineering models that have a sound theoretical basis. Dr. Johnson had a joint appointment as a fellow at the Oakridge Institute for Science and Education at the National Energy Technology Laboratory.

Dr. Johnson's current work is focused on:

  • Modeling hydrogen adsorption in graphitic fullerene nanotubes, boron-carbide nanotubes, and other novel adsorbents.
  • Predicting the ability to separate isotropic mixtures based on quantum molecular sieving.
  • Exploring the behavior of quantum fluids in bulk and confined environments.
  • Developing highly accurate potential models completely from first principles electronic structure calculations
  • Designing adsorbents for environmentally important pollutants such as mercury, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide.
  • Elucidating chemisorption and reaction mechanisms of small molecules on metal surfaces.

 

Selected Publications

Benedum Hall

Dedicated in 1971, Benedum Hall is home to exploration and discovery.

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