University of Richmond Chemistry Professor Michael Leopold Receives American Chemical Society Grant

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — University of Richmond chemistry professor Michael Leopold, was awarded a $70,000 Undergraduate Research Grant from the American Chemical Society.

Leopold, Floyd D. and Elizabeth S. Gottwald Professor of Chemistry, and his undergraduate research team will use the grant over the next three years to study how certain sulfur-containing molecules found in heavy crude oil interact with tiny pores inside materials like gold and glass. These materials have adjustable pore sizes and large surface areas, which make them useful for seeing how molecules behave in confined areas among specific surface interactions.

“Understanding these processes is particularly relevant to the petroleum industry, where sulfur-rich compounds such as thiophenes contribute to major challenges like sludge formation and catalyst poisoning during oil refining,” Leopold said.

The project focuses on a specific type of molecular interaction called halogen “bonding.” Although halogen bonding has been studied in other chemical systems, it has not been explored in relation to thiophenes or asphaltene-like materials.

Leopold and his student research partners will use advanced techniques such as diffusion-ordered spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electrochemical analysis to measure how thiophene molecules diffuse and interact within porous materials. The project will provide an opportunity for relevant chemistry research for UR students while demonstrating how sulfur-containing molecules behave in environments found in oil refinery processes.

Leopold has taught at UR since 2002 and is frequently recognized for his contributions to his field, his students, and the University of Richmond. He’s previously received an Outstanding Mentorship Award from the Chemistry Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research and named an Outstanding Faculty Award recipient by the State Council of Higher Education.

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