Gerald Takacs Headshot

Gerald Takacs

Professor

School of Chemistry and Materials Science
College of Science
gatsch@rit.edu
585-475-2047
Office Location
GOS-2258

Gerald Takacs

Professor

School of Chemistry and Materials Science
College of Science

Education

B.S. (Honors), University of Alberta (Edmonton); Ph.D., University of Wisconsin (Madison); Post Doc, Rice University; Teaching Intern/Research Associate, University of Alabama (Huntsville); National Research Council Senior Research Associate, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Bio

Dr. Takacs' research is currently investigating the surface modification of materials as a function of treatment time using techniques including: (1) UV photons; (2) vacuum UV (VUV) photons produced downstream from low-pressure microwave plasmas of rare gases; (3) VUV radiation from inert gas excimers formed in high pressure DC arc experiments; and (4) reactive neutral gaseous particles, such as O atoms and ozone. Surface modification is a key technology for the processing and manufacture of many materials by altering the chemical and physical properties of the surface (as often detected by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle measurements, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)) without changing the bulk properties. Recent projects have involved the surface modification of polymers and carbon nanotubes important in fuel cell, water purification, aerospace, microelectronics, and nanotechnology industries.

gatsch@rit.edu
585-475-2047
Areas of Expertise
photochemistry
plasma chemistry
chemical kinetics
surface modification of materials
clean energy/hydrogen fuel cells

Select Scholarship

Shao M. Demyttenaere*, Jewel R. Samonte*, Liam T. Reilly*, Amina Andelija*, Brian M. Strohm*, Timothy Kovach*, Sarah A. Oakes*, Ryan P. Keeley*, Gerald A. Takacs & Massoud J. Miri, “Aliphatic polyesters based on 1,4-butanediol and even numbered C4 - C20 dicarboxylic acids - synthesis and properties including after surface treatment by VUV photo-oxidation”, Journal of Polymer Research (2023), volume 30: Article number 331; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-023-03693-8.

R. Keeley*, O. Omar*, H. Heineman*, M. Abdi*, A. Andelija*, A-C. Jahn*, B. Rippel*, O. Lensing*, K. E. Miller*, M. Mehan, S. K. Gupta and G. A. Takacs, “Enhancing the surface wettability of the fuel cell membrane polyetheretherketone using vacuum UV photo-oxidation”, Trends in Chemical Engineering (2023), 21,111-119. http://www.researchtrends.net/tia/title_issue.asp?id=1&in=0&vn=21&type=3 

G.A. Takacs and M.J. Miri, “Vacuum UV (VUV) Photo-oxidation of Polymer Surfaces to Enhance Adhesion”, Polymer Surface Modification to Enhance Adhesion: Techniques and Applications, K.L. Mittal and A.N. Netravali (Eds.), Wiley-Scrivener, Beverly, MA (2024).

Timothy Kovach*, Samuel Boyd*, Anthony Garcia*, Andrew Fleischer*, Katerine Vega*, Regina Hilfiker*, Joel Shertok, Michael Mehan, Surendra K. Gupta, and Gerald A. Takacs, “Surface Modification of Polybenzimidazole (PBI) with Microwave Generated Vacuum Ultraviolet (VUV) Photo-oxidation”, Current Microwave Chemistry, (2022), 9(1) DOI:10.2174/2213335608666210908123730 

Sarah Oakes*, Ryan Keeley*, Hunter Heineman*, Tom Allston, Joel Shertok, Michael Mehan, Gregory K. Thompson, and Gerald A. Takacs, “Vacuum UV (VUV) Photo-Oxidation of Polyethersulfone (PES)”,Technologies (2022),10(2),49; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies10020049

Heineman H*, Omar O*, Rippel B*, Keeley R*, Mehan M, Gupta S, Takacs GA. Enhancing the Wettability of Polyetheretherketone (Peek) Membrane with Ozone for Improving Fuel Cell Performance. Journal of Energy and Power Technology (2022),4(4):13; doi:10.21926/jept.2204040.

A. Bailey and G.A. Takacs, “Online Educational Experiences with “Clean Energy: Hydrogen Fuel Cells”, Proceeding of the 2022 STEM/STREAM & Education Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii, June 8-10 (2022). https://huichawaii.org/ssec/proceedings-programs.

Gerald A. Takacs, Massoud J. Miri, and Timothy Kovach*, “Vacuum UV Surface Photo-oxidation of Polymeric and Other Materials for Improving Adhesion: A Critical Review”, Progress in Adhesion and Adhesives, 6, 559-585 (2021). DOI:10.1002/9781119846703

*RIT Students

Currently Teaching

CHEM-493
Chemistry Research
1 - 3 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research in chemistry that could be considered of an original nature.
CHEM-495
Advanced Chemistry Research
1 - 3 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study.
CHEM-780
Chemistry Project
1 - 4 Credits
Chemistry project accomplished by the MS student for an appropriate topic as arranged between the candidate and the project advisor.
CHEM-781
Continuation of Project
0 Credits
This course is a graduate course for students enrolled in the Project track of the MS Chemistry Program. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the School of Chemistry and Materials Science offering the course.)
CHEM-799
Independent Study
1 - 3 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for a masters-level student.
CHMB-493
Biochemistry Research
1 - 3 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research in biochemistry that could be considered of an original nature.
CHMB-495
Advanced Biochemistry Research
1 - 3 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study.
CHMG-131
General Chemistry for Engineers
3 Credits
This rigorous course is primarily for, but not limited to, engineering students. Topics include an introduction to some basic concepts in chemistry, stoichiometry, First Law of Thermodynamics, thermochemistry, electronic theory of composition and structure, and chemical bonding. The lecture is supported by workshop-style problem sessions. Offered in traditional and online format.
CHMP-341
Physical Chemistry I
3 Credits
This course provides fundamental concepts, and organizing principles, applied in all aspects of chemistry and related fields. A rigorous and detailed explanation of central, unifying concepts in thermodynamics and chemical kinetics will be developed. Mathematical models that provide quantitative predictions will be described for thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. These contain the mathematical underpinnings to concepts applied in analytical, inorganic, organic, and biochemistry courses, as well as more advanced topics in chemistry. The course will cover: gases, temperature, energy and the First Law of Thermodynamics, entropy and the Second and Third laws, Helmholtz and Gibbs free energies, criteria for equilibrium and spontaneity, chemical equilibrium, phase equilibrium, electrochemistry, kinetic molecular theory, chemical kinetics, and irreversible processes in solution.
MTSE-777
Graduate Project
3 Credits
This course is a capstone project using research facilities available inside or outside of RIT.
MTSE-799
Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for a masters-level student.

In the News

More News