Cornell Professor Honored for Chemistry in Public Interest

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Héctor D. Abruña, the Émile M. Chamot Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences, has received the 2026 Gustavus John Esseln Award for Chemistry in the Public Interest from the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society. The award honors outstanding achievement in scientific and technical work that contributes to public well-being, and recognizes Abruña's innovative contributions to electroanalytical chemistry.

Why it matters

Abruña's research focuses on developing novel electrode materials and advanced operando methods for their characterization, which has transformed the understanding of electrochemical interfaces and advanced the performance and capacity of batteries and fuel cells - critical technologies for a sustainable energy future.

The details

In his research, Abruña uses synthetic chemistry to develop novel electrode materials and employs advanced operando methods for their characterization. His work has transformed the understanding of electrochemical interfaces, advancing the performance and capacity of batteries and fuel cells.

• Abruña will receive the award and give a lecture on April 17, 2026 at the Harvard Faculty Club.

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