DATE: June 16, 2008

CONTACT: Esin Gulari, (864) 656-3202
egulari@clemson.edu

WRITER: Susan Polowczuk, (864) 656-2063
spolowc@clemson.edu

Alternative energy research to get boost with major gift

CLEMSON — The College of Engineering and Science at Clemson University has received a $1.1 million gift from Samuel and Patricia Deal earmarked for research for alternative energy sources.

The announcement came at the 2008 Major Donors Breakfast Sunday at the Madren Center. 

Samuel B. Deal is a graduate of the class of 1943 and has a bachelor's degree in chemistry. He received his master's in chemistry from Ohio State University. He is a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient and invested more than 40 years with RCA, where he pioneered the development of color TV tubes. 

In thanking the Deals, engineering and science Dean Esin Gulari said, “The innovative combination of engineering and science disciplines facilitates study and research across departmental boundaries. An endowment like the Deals' will allow us to continue current research in alternative energy and pursue new avenues of exploration.”

Alternative energy research at Clemson falls under the area of advanced materials. Some of the researchers and areas currently being explored include:

• Stephen Creager, professor and department chairman in chemistry, is developing new materials for proton-exchange-membrane hydrogen fuel cells and electrochemical energy-storage devices, such as rechargeable lithium ion batteries;
• Jim Goodwin, chairman of chemical and biomolecular engineering, is looking into ways to expand the production of biodiesel. He and David Bruce, an associate professor, are studying the synthesis of ethanol from coal and biomass;
• Terry Tritt, professor of physics, is investigating new and novel solid-state materials with the goal of achieving higher-efficiency thermoelectric devices;
• Tetramer Technologies LLC is a Clemson start-up company owned and founded on technology developed by Clemson faculty and patents. Chemists and material scientists are exploring novel uses of materials that generate an electrical charge when pressure is applied. Possibilities include energy harvesting from vibrational environments such as tire rotation and aircraft vibration or even the footsteps of soldiers, and;
• Creager and Darren Dawson, the electrical and computer engineering chairman, are bringing resources together that will evolve, develop and advance photovoltaic technology, which holds the promise of maintaining an energy-intensive standard of living while not contributing to global warming and pollution.
• Solar cell research by Raj Singh, in electrical and computer engineering, and a cross-curriculum group of faculty.

The Deals live in Holden Beach, N.C. 

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