Department of Chemistry

Research

With award winning faculty and groundbreaking research, Penn State chemistry is consistently ranked as one of the top departments in the nation.

Analytical

We push the limits of analytical science through cutting-edge instrumentation and fundamental studies for medicine, energy, and the atmosphere.

analytical

Biological

We are engaged in ground-breaking research at the interface of chemistry and biology, including bioinorganic, biophysical, and computational biology.

biological

Energy and Environment

We address questions of how chemicals in our environment impact climate and health and the how energy needs of the future will be met.

environment

Inorganic

We study the chemistry of the elements, with strong interdisciplinary efforts in inorganic materials, nanoscience, metalloenzymes, active matter, and catalysis.

inorganic

Materials

Faculty explore a diversity of interdisciplinary research areas aimed at understanding the relationship between chemical structure, dynamics, and material properties.

materials

Organic

We have a modern organic chemistry group with interests that include synthesis, methodology, polymers, electrochemistry, bioorganic, and organic materials.

organic

Physical

We advance the frontiers of emerging and traditional areas of physical chemistry research, including spectroscopy, computation, dynamics, and biophysics.

physical

Theoretical

Our tradition of excellence in theory and computational chemistry includes electronic structure, statistical mechanics, and multiscale modeling.

theoretical

Research Facilities

With state-of-the-art facilities, Penn State Chemistry offers an exciting, supportive environment to pursue research and innovation.

chem lab
The Latest
Q&A: Microscopic robots may shape the future of health, tech and the environment

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Q&A: Microscopic robots may shape the future of health, tech and the environment
Protein accidentally lassos itself, helping explain unusual refolding behavior

Study describes a potential mechanism that could help explain why some proteinsrefold in a different pattern than expected.

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Protein accidentally lassos itself, helping explain unusual refolding behavior
Microplastics impact cloud formation, likely affecting weather and climate

Scientists have spotted microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters, in some of the most pristine areas on Earth.

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Microplastics impact cloud formation, likely affecting weather and climate

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