November 24, 2008
Benny D. Freeman, chemical engineering professor at The University of Texas at Austin, has been selected to receive the 2009 American Chemical Society Award in Applied Polymer Science for his pioneering polymer science research that has defined the state of the art in polymer-based gas, liquid, and vapor separation membranes. In contrast to the traditional approach of using rigid, glassy polymers for gas separation materials, Freeman’s method has changed the molecular structure of polar, rubbery polymers to remove CO2 from gas mixtures. Membranes based on these materials are being deployed commercially for hydrogen purification. Freeman’s research has also resulted in high-performance materials to mitigate fouling in water purification membranes, and his group is also working on next-generation desalination membranes, based on chlorine-tolerant materials. This award will be presented at the 2009 Spring Meeting of the American Chemical Society, which will take place March 22-27, 2009. The award will be recognized at this meeting by a two day symposium featuring 24 presentations from around the world honoring Professor Freeman’s contributions to the field.
Freeman’s work at the university is supported by the privately endowed by the Kenneth A. Kobe and Paul D. and Betty Robertson Meek & American Petrofina Centennial Professor of Chemical Engineering.
About the Cockrell School of Engineering:
The Cockrell School ranks among the top ten engineering programs in the United States and aspires to move into the top five. With the nation's fourth highest number of faculty members elected to the National Academy of Engineering, the Cockrell School's more than 7,000 students work with many of the world's finest engineering educators and researchers. This environment prepares graduates to become engineering leaders and innovators working for the betterment of society.