Kimberly A. Gray
Kimberly A. Gray
Professor
A322 Technological Institute
2145 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208-3109
E-mail address: k-gray@northwestern.edu
Phone: (847) 467-4252
Fax: (847) 491-4011
Website: Gray Research Group
Education
- B.A., Northwestern University, Biology
- M.S., University of Miami, Civil Engineering (Environmental)
- Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, Environmental Engineering
Research
My areas of research are environmental catalysis and physicochemical processes in natural and engineered environmental systems. We are studying the synthesis, characterization, and performance of photocatalytic materials, principally TiO2-based nano-composites. Currently, we are collaborating with materials scientists at Northwestern to prepare highly active nano-structured mixed phase titania catalysts using a variety of techniques and with chemists at Argonne National Laboratory to detail charge transfer behavior in these materials using EPR. This fundamental understanding of structure and function is guiding the use of these photoactive materials for applications in renewable energy (CO2 reduction, water splitting), water recycling (reactive membranes for chemical oxidation and disinfection, photoactive carbon nanotubes for reactions and separation) and air quality control (cabin air, building air handling).
Work in my group also involves the investigation of chemical fate in natural systems. We are probing the role of periphyton (algal biofilms) in contaminant accumulation in stream sediments and in denitrification in wetlands. We are also studying the ways in which detailed understanding of ecological relationships (periphyton structure, dynamic food web descriptions) improves our ability to predict chemical transfer (bioaccumulation) in aquatic systems and ultimately human health risks. Application of this research is important in efforts to restore critical ecosystems (Great Lakes) and to employ ecosystem function for environmental protection (treatment wetlands).
Teaching Activities
- ENVR-SCI 203 Energy and the Environment: The Automobile
- CIV_ENG 395 Sustainability: Issues and Actions Near and Far
- CIV_ENG 398 Community-based Design
- CIV_ENG 444 Physical/Chemical Processes in Environmental Control
- CIV_ENG 449-3 Environmental Laboratory Experience
- IEMS 497 Sustainable Manufacturing
Professional Activities
- Organizer and Speaker, The Green City: A Field Study in Chicago, Northwestern University Summer Institute, Aug. 2006-2007.
- Board of Directors, Chicagoland Redevelopment Initiative (REDI), 2002-2006.
- Association of Environmental Engineering Professors, Board of Directors, 1996-1999; Vice-President, 1997-98; President, 1998-1999.
- National Research Council Water Science and Technology Board, Member of Committee on USGS Water Resources Research, 1996-1999.
Honors and Awards
- Presidential Young Investigator, National Science Foundation, 1991-1996
Selected Publications
- D.C. Hurum, A.G. Agrios, S.E. Crist, K.A. Gray, T. Rajh, M.C. Thurnauer (2006) “Probing reaction mechanisms in mixed phase TiO2 by EPR, Journal of Electron Spectroscopy, 150:2-3:155-163.
- G.A. Agrios, K.A. Gray (2005) “Beyond Photocatalytic Environmental Remediation: Novel TiO2 Materials and Applications,” in Environmental Catalysis, V. Grtassian, ed. (Marcel Dekker), Ch. 15, p. 369-390.
- T. Sirivedhin, K.A. Gray, (2005) “Factors Affecting Denitrification Rates in Experimental Wetlands: Field and Laboratory Studies,” Ecological Engineering, in press.
- T. Sirivedhin, K.A. Gray, (2005) “Identifying Anthropogenic Markers in Surface Waters Influenced by Treated Effluents: A Tool in Potable Water Reuse,” Water Research, 39:1154-1164.
- T. Sirivedhin, K.A. Gray, (2005) Comparison of the Disinfection Byproduct Formation Potentials between a Wastewater Effluent and Surface Waters,” Water Research, 39:1025-1036.
- D. Hurum, K. Gray, T. Rajh, M. Thurnauer. (2005) “Recombination Pathways in the Degussa P25 Formulation of TiO2: Surface versus Lattice Mechanisms,” J.Phys.Chem., 109:977-980.
- G.A. Agrios, K. Gray, E. Weitz (2004) “Narrow Band Irradiation of Homologous Series of Chlorophenols on TiO2: Charge Transfer Complex Formation and Reactivity.” Langmuir, 20, 5911-5917.
