Kenneth Balkus

Professional Preparation

Ph.D. - Inorganic Chemistry
University of Florida - 1986

Postdoctoral Associate
University of Pennsylvania - 1986

B.S. - Chemistry
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - 1982

Research Areas

Research Description

Most of the research in our lab involves nanoporous metal oxides, which includes zeolites and related molecular sieves as well as layered materials. Projects include the preparation, modification and application of molecular sieves in areas ranging from catalysis to chemical sensors. Zeolite supported catalysts and host/guest materials include immobilized enzymes. Pulsed laser deposition and electrostatic deposition are used to prepare molecular sieve films and fibers respectively as part of an effort in membranes for gas separation, photovoltaics, fuel cells, and drug delivery.

Publications

Losilla, J.; Ratanatawanate, C.; Balkus, Jr., K.J. TiO2 Nanotube films via Pulsed laser Deposition J. Exp. Nanosci. In Press. forthcoming - Publication

Anka, F.; Perera, S.D.; Ratanatawanate, C.; Balkus, Jr., K.J., “Polyacrylonitrile Gold Nanoparticle composite Electrospun Fibers Prepared by in situ Photoreduction” Mater. Lett. 75, 2012, 12-15. 2012 - Publication

Bonso, J.S.; Rahy, A.; Perera, S.D.; Nour, N.; Seitz, O.; Chabal,Y.C.; Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Ferraris, J.P.; Yang, D.J., “Exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets-V2O5 nanotube composite electrodes for supercapacitor application”, J. Power Sources,203, 2012, 227-232 . 2012 - Publication

Liyanage, A.D.; Ferraris, J.P.; Musselman, I.H.; Yang, D.-J.; Andersson, T.E.; Son, D.Y. Balkus, Jr. K.J., “Nafion-sulfonated dendrimer composite membranes for fuel cell applications” J. Membr. Sci. 392-293, 2012, 175-180. 2012 - Publication

Perera, S.D.; Njiem, N.; Chabal, Y.; Ferraris, J.P.; Balkus, Jr., K.J., Deoxygenated Graphene oxide for Supercapacitor Applications: An Effective Green Alternative for Chemically reduced Graphene, J. Power Sources, 215, 2012, 1-10. 2012 - Publication

Perera, S.D.; Mareno, R.G.; Vu, K.; Njiem, N,; Chabal, Y.; Balkus, Jr., K.J., Facile route for the synthesis of reduced Graphene oxide-TiO2 nanotube composites as high-performance photocatalysts ACS Catal., 2, 2012, 949-956. 2012 - Publication

Tran, D.; Yang, D.J.; Balkus, Jr. K.J. “Fabrication of Cellulase Protein Fibers through Concentric Electrospinning” J Mol.Catal. B Enzymatic, 2011, 72, 1-5 2011 - Publication

Perera, S.D.; Patel, B.; Bonso, J.S.; Grunewald, M.; Ferraris, J.P.; Balkus, Jr., K.J., “Vanadium oxide nanotube speherical clusters prepared on carbon fabrics for energy storage applications” Applied Mater. Interfac., 3, 2011, 4512-4517. 2011 - Publication

1

Awards

Teacher Recognition Award - US Dept of Education [2012]

Fellow - American Chemical Society [2011]

W. T. Doherty Award - American Chemical Society [2008]

NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award - [1991]

ACS Florida Section Speaker Award - [1986]

ACS Sherwin-Williams Award - Finalist - [1986]

Appointments

Materials Science and Engineering [2003–Present]

Various Consulting & Expert Witness Activities
[2003–Present]

Editorial Board Microporous Mesoporous Materials
[2001–Present]

Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Technology [1997–Present]

Associate Professor of Chemistry (Tenured)
[1993–1997]

Pharmacyclics,Inc. and Eastman Chemical Co.
[1992–2018]

Assistant Professor of Chemistry
[1988–1993]

Postdoctoral Associate (Dr. Brad B. Wayland, Director)
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA [1986–1988]

Additional Information

Awards

2011 American Chemical Society - Fellow
1991-1996 NSF Presidential Young Investigator Award
1986 ACS Florida Section Speaker Award
1986 ACS Sherwin-Williams Award - Finalist

Funding -- $7.2 Million since 1990

National Science Foundation SGER, INT, PYI
Robert A. Welch Foundation
Texas Instruments
Texas Advanced Research Program
Texas Advanced Technology Program
DARPA
Air Force
SPRING
ACS-Petroleum Research Fund
Pharmacyclics, Inc.
Chevron Research & Technology
Mobil Technology Co.
Department of Energy PETC, LANL
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
NAS/NRC COBASE
Undergraduate - Inorganic Chemistry
Undergraduate - Solid State Chemistry
Undergraduate - Advanced Synthesis Laboratory
Undergraduate - General Chemistry II Laboratory
Graduate - Materials Science
Graduate - Surface Science/Heterogeneous Catalysis
Graduate - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, Organometallics

Research - Materials/Inorganic Chemistry & Nanoscience

Zeolite Synthesis and Modification
Inclusion Compounds, in particular,
Zeolite Encapsulated Metal Complexes
Laser Ablation, Metal Oxide Thin Films
Hydrations, Dehydrations, Rearrangments
Zeolite Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis
Molecular Sieve Immobilized Enzymes,
Zeolite Based Chemical Sensors, Drug delivery
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents
Composite Membranes and Gas Separations
Electrospinning; Phonon Engineering
Fuel Cells; Solar Cells

Professional Activities
American Chemical Society

Member DFW long range planning committee
Alternate Councilor DFW Section 92-95
Councilor DFW Section 95-2001
Symposium Organizer 1994 SW Reg.Meeting
Inorganic program chair 2000 SW/SE Reg. Meeting
Committee on Project SEED 1997-present
North American Catalysis Society
Southwest Catalysis Society
Director 1997-1999
Chair Elect 1999, Chair 2000-01
Vice Chair 2002 Gordon Conference on Zeolitic & Layered Materials
Chair 2005 Gordon Conference on Zeolitic and Layered Materials
International Advisory Board 13th IZC Meeting
International Advisory Board 3rd ISMMS Meeting
International Scientific Committee 14th IZC Meeting
International Advisory Board 15th IZC Meeting
Scientific Committee 4th International Zeolite Membrane Meeting
Planning Committee- Florida Catalysis Conference
Sigma Xi - Full Member
Materials Research Society
The Fiber Society
International Zeolite Association
Synthesis Commission 1998-present
International Mesoporous Materials Association
Reviewer - NSF, NIH including panel reviews, DOE, PRF
Reviewer - ACS, Elsevier publications, Nature, J.Wiley Texts

Campus Activities

Undergraduate Chemistry Advisor 1988-92
Seminar Chair 1993-95
Chair Graduate Recruiting Committee 1995-2001
Graduate Advisor 1997-2003
Materials Science & Engineering degree working group
Materials Science & Engineering Faculty Search Committee 2006
Faculty Search Committee 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000
Library Director Search Committee 2000
R.A.Welch Chair Search Committee 1997-2001
University Safety Committee
University Cleanroom Committee 2002
Ad Hoc Committee on Reorganizing the University 2001
University Research Council 2001
University Committee on Academic Qualifications 1998-2000
University Committee on Educational Policy 2002-
Personnel Review Committee (elected) 1999-2001
Chair University Library Committee 1997-99
Health Professions Committee Interviews
Several Faculty Tenure and Promotion Committees
Faculty Advisor Tae Kwon Do Club
Project SEED Preceptor, AMP, Clark and Welch Student Sponsor
60 Doctoral Committees

Off-Campus Activities

Tae Kwon Do - 2nd Dan Black Belt
Okinawa Kobudo – Ni Dan Black Belt
Board of Directors and member of Sabum Kai for the Mung Moodo Ryu Assocation
member International Karate Kobudo Federation
member United States Water Ski Assoc. & NOA
NCAA Football Offical – Umpire
Assistant Scout Master Troop 1001
Science Fair Chairman - Camey Elementary 1993-99

Presentations - Over 150 Invited Lectures and Papers Presented including:
National, Regional, Local ACS Meetings
Florida Catalysis Conferences
Southwest Catalysis Society Symposia
Materials Research Society Meetings
Electrochemical Society Meetings
AIChE Meetings; American Vacuum Society Meetings
International Zeolite Conferences
Society of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Meetings
Gordon Research Conferences
North American Membrane Society Meetings
Molecular Recognition and Inclusion Conferences
University of North Texas
University of Arkansas
Southern Methodist University
University of Houston
University of Texas at Arlington
Texas Christian University
Washington State University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Texas A & M University
Baylor University
Texas Tech University
University of Massachusetts
University of Oklahoma
University of Texas at Dallas
Johns Hopkins University
University of Maryland
Oklahoma State University
Southwest Texas State University
A. Mickiewicz University, Poland
Invited Lectures (Continued)
University of South Florida
University of South Carolina
Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute
University of Cincinnati
Trinity University
Brown University
University of Toledo
Iowa State University
University of Connecticut
University of Alabama
Auburn University
Northeastern University
Southwest Catalysis Society
New England Catalysis Society
Michigan Catalysis Society
Tri-State Catalysis Society
Dow Chemical, Freeport, TX
Dow Chemical, Midland, MI
Ecole Nationale Superieur de Chimie de Paris
Institut de Recherches sur la Catalyse, Lyon
Pharmacyclics, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA
Hoechst Celanese, Corpus Christi, TX
Rhom & Haas, Philadelphia, PA
Chevron, Richmond, CA
Eastman Chemical Co., Kingsport, TN
Mobil Technology Co., Paulsboro, NJ
Exxon, Baytown, TX
Texas Instruments, Inc., TX
1992 Florida Catalysis Conference, Palm Coast, FL
1993 Gordon Conference on Zeolites and Layered Materials
1995 NSF Organometallic Workshop
1996 Florida Catalysis Conference
1996 Gordon Conference on Chemical Sensors and Interfacial Design
1997 Gordon Conference on Catalysis
1997 Gordon Conference on Zeolites and Layered Materials
1998 UOP Distinguished Lecturer
2000 Plenary Lecture 2nd Int. Symp. Mesoporous Molecular Sieves
2003 6th International Photoreaction Control and Photofuntional Materials
2004 International Zeolite Membrane Meeting
2005 Pacifichem Meeting

Patents
Balkus,Jr.,K.J.; Sherry,A.D.; Young,S. "Zeolite Enclosed Transition and Rare Earth Metal Ions as Contrast Agents for the Gastrointestinal Tract", U. S. Patent No. 5,122,363, 1992. LICENSED
Balkus,Jr.,K.J.; Kowalak,S. "Methods for the Preparation of Molecular Sieves. Including Zeolites Using Metal Chelate Complexes", U. S. Patent No. 5,167,942, 1992.
Balkus,Jr.,K.J.; Sherry,A.D.; Young,S. " Molecular Sieve Enclosed Transition and Rare Earth Metal Ions as Contrast Agents for the Gastrointestinal Tract", PCT Int'l Appl. No. WO 91/09222 Several individual countrys have issued patents including European Patent No. 0560910, 1996. LICENSED
Balkus,Jr.,K.J."Clay Enclosed Transition and Rare Earth Metal Complexes as Contrast Agents for the Gastrointestinal Tract", U. S. Patent No. 5,277,896 1994. LICENSED Balkus,Jr.,K.J.; Sherry,A.D.; Young,S. " Molecular Sieve Enclosed Transition and Rare Earth Metal Ions as Contrast Agents for the Gastrointestinal Tract", U.S. Patent No. 5,429,814, 1995. LICENSED
Balkus,Jr.,K.J.; Kowalak,S. "Synthesis of Molecular Sieves, including Zeolites, Using Metal Chelate Complexes", PCT Int'l Appl. No. WO 92/09527. European Patent No. 0,558,644, 1995.
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Gabrielov,A.A. "The Synthesis of Novel Molecular Sieves using Metal Complexes as Templates", U.S. Patent No. 5,489,424 1996.
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Gabrielov,A.A. "The Synthesis of Novel Molecular Sieves using a Metal Complex as a Template", U.S. Patent No. 5,603,914 1997.
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Gabrielov,A.A. "The Synthesis of Novel Molecular Sieves using a Metal Complex as a Template", U.S. Patent No. 5,648,058 1997.
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Gabrielov,A.A. "Novel Metal Silicate Compositions and Catalysts ", U.S. Patent No. 5,830,429 1998.
Gnade, B.E.; Balkus,Jr., K.J. "Method for forming a Capacitance type Gaseous Sensing device and Aparatus Thereof Chemical", U.S. Patent No 5,828,542 1998 (w/ Texas Instruments)
Abdel-Fattah, T.M.; Balkus,Jr., K.J.; Davies, G. "Metal containing Catalysts and Methods For making Same", U.S. Patent No. 5,849,652 1998 (w/ Northeastern University)
Balkus,Jr., K.J.; Gnade, B.E.; Riley, S. "Method for forming a Capacitance type Gaseous Sensing device and Aparatus Thereof Chemical", U.S. Patent No. 5,857,250 1999 (w/ Texas Instruments)
Balkus, Jr., K. J.; Kinsel, M. E. "Mesoporous Molecular Sieve Thin Films and Methods of Making and Uses Thereof", U.S. Patent No. 6,120,891, 2000.*
Balkus,Jr.,K.J.; Sherry,A.D.; Young,S. " Molecular Sieve Enclosed Transition and Rare Earth Metal Ions as Contrast Agents for the Gastrointestinal Tract", Jpn Patent No. 2716094, 1997 LICENSED
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Kinsel, M.E,; Scott A., "Method of Coating Three Dimensional Objects With Molecular Sieves", US Patent No. 6,274,207, 2001.*
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Kinsel, M.E.; Washmon, L., "Preparation of laser Deposited Oriented Films and Membranes", U.S. Patent No. 6,287,645 2001.*
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Kinsel, M.E.; Washmon, L., "Preparation of laser Deposited Oriented Films and Membranes", U.S. Patent No. 6,472,030 2002.*
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Kinsel, M.E,; Scott A., "Method of Coating Three Dimensional Objects With Molecular Sieves", US Patent No.6,423,411, 2002.*
Balkus, Jr., K. J.; Kinsel, M. E. "Mesoporous Transition Metal Oxide Thin Films and Methods of Making and Uses Thereof", U.S. Patent No. 6,395,350 2002.*
Balkus, Jr., K.J. Coutinho, D., "Mesoporous Compositions and Method of Preparation" U.S. Patent No. 6,630,170, 2003.
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Pantano, P.; Meek, C.; Coutinho, D., "Encoded Molecular Sieve Particle-based Sensors", U.S. Patent No. 6,790,672, 2004
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Ma, Y.,"Mesoporous Alumina Drug Delivery System" U.S. Patent Pending.
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Ferraris, J.P.; Madhugiri, S.; Scott, A.S., "Electrospun Metal Oxide Fibers", U.S. Patent Pending.
Balkus, Jr, K.J.; Ferraris, J.P,; Madhugiri, S. "Electrospun Composite Fibers", US Patent Pending
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Deng, S., "Procedure for the Preparation of Multilayer Zeolite Membranes" Provisional Filed.
Yang, J.V.; Coutinho, D.; Ferraris, J.P.; Balkus, Jr., K.J.;Yang, D.J., "Novel polyelectrolyte membranes for Fuel Cells" Filing being conducted by Samsung
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Liu, H.; Gnade, B.E.; Bhansali, U. "Self Healing Barrier Coatings for Flexible Substrates" Patent Dislcosure
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Pisklak, T.J., "Catalytic burner for combustion of liquid fuels" Patent Pending
Balkus, Jr., K.J.; Pisklak, T.J., "Low vapor pressure fuels for use in aromatherapy and Fragrance lamps" Provisional Filed
* Patents Costs Covered in a settlement with Arnold, White & Durkee

Tarek Abdul-Fattah (Northeastern) currently at Allied Signal
Emmnanual Briot (Ecole Nationale Superior de Chimie de Paris) Research de Charge
Bobby Jones (Physics -UTD) student
Rena Anuwattana (King Mogkut University, Thailand)

Prof. B. Gnade, Prof. John Ferraris; Prof. Inga Musselman; Prof. A. Dean Sherry; Prof. Paul Pantano; Anvar Zhakidov, Ray Baughman, DJ Yang, John Sibert-University of Texas at Dallas
Prof. Peter Smirniotis - U Cinncinnati
Prof. Nandika D'Souza University of North Texas

News Articles

U.S. Education Department Honors Inspirational Prof

Dr. Ken Balkus, professor of chemistry at UT Dallas, has received a 2012 Teacher Recognition Award from the U.S. Department of Education. Plano East High School student Amy Chyao, who was one of 141 high-school seniors nationwide chosen as 2012 Presidential Scholars, selected Balkus for the honor. Each scholar selects his or her “most inspiring and unforgettable teacher” to receive the Teacher Recognition Award. Chyao joined UT Dallas’s NanoExplorers research program for high-school students in the summer of 2009. Working under Balkus’ mentorship, Chyao created semiconducting nanoparticles that, when exposed to certain wavelengths of light, generate a highly reactive form of oxygen that is deadly to cancer cells. Balkus and Chyao travelled to Washington, D.C., in June to attend recognition events for the Presidential Scholars and their teachers. Balkus also received a commemorative plaque.

Prof Chosen as Fellow of American Chemical Society

Dr. Ken Balkus, professor of chemistry at UT Dallas, was recently named an American Chemical Society Fellow and will be honored at the society’s fall national meeting. The Fellows Program recognizes achievements of its members for contributions to science, the profession and to the ACS. Members of the ACS nominate individuals for the honor. “It’s gratifying to be recognized in this way from a scientific society and your peers,” Balkus said. “I’ve stayed active with the ACS for several years now and I’m very pleased to receive this honor.”

Professor Earns Prestigious Chemistry Award

Dr. Kenneth J. Balkus, professor of chemistry at UT Dallas, has been named this year’s winner of the W. T. Doherty Award by the Dallas Fort Worth Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The award will be formally presented at a fall D-FW ACS meeting, at which Balkus will present an award address. Dr. John Ferraris, a prior recipient of the Doherty Award and head of the Department of Chemistry, said, “I’m pleased, but hardly surprised, that Ken Balkus has received this award recognizing his outstanding contributions to the field, the section and the ACS. He is an imaginative researcher, a highly dedicated educator, and a superb colleague.” The award, which includes an honorarium of $1,500, recognizes significant achievement, teaching and service.

Invention Circulates Interest Among Diabetics, Organ Transplant Patients

Scientists at The University of Texas at Dallas have filed a patent disclosure on a medical device that looks like a blue elastic bandage and acts like a wonder-cloth that helps preserve transplant organs, improve circulation and heal wounds. Chemistry Professor Kenneth Balkus and Ph.D. student Harvey Liu say Liu’s early work on self-healing smart films led to the new, blue bandage that releases a controlled, steady dose of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide (NO) is known to open blood vessels and keep them relaxed and flexible—key factors in keeping transplant organs viable and offering hope to diabetic patients who suffer from low blood flow in their extremities, especially the feet.

U. T. Dallas Nanotechnology Scientists Win Research Grants Worth $500,000

Nanotechnology scientists at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) have won two federal research grants totaling more than $500,000, the university announced today. The largest of the awards is a three-year, $460,000 grant from the United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research to three members of the UTD faculty to produce prototypes of photocells from polymer nanofibers and carbon nanotubes. The co-principal investigators on the grant are Dr. Anvar A. Zakhidov, professor of physics and associate director of the UTD NanoTech Institute, Dr. John P. Ferraris, professor of chemistry and head of the Department of Chemistry, and Dr. Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr., professor of chemistry. The goal of the research is the creation of low-cost, ultra-lightweight, deployable solar cell arrays that could be used to generate electric power for spacecraft, among other applications.

Kenneth Balkus

Professional Preparation

Research Areas

Research Description

Publications

Awards

Appointments

Additional Information

Additional Information

News Articles

U.S. Education Department Honors Inspirational Prof

Prof Chosen as Fellow of American Chemical Society

Professor Earns Prestigious Chemistry Award

Invention Circulates Interest Among Diabetics, Organ Transplant Patients

U. T. Dallas Nanotechnology Scientists Win Research Grants Worth $500,000

Affiliations

NanoTech Institute

Materials Science and Engineering