Energy & Sustainability

Our Energy and Sustainability researchers are committed to developing new technologies for an environmentally sustainable future. Current topics of interest include green chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, studies on the effect of environmental agents on human health, and the development of environmentally friendly methods for chemical synthesis.

A graduate student conducts research at a fume hood.

Related News

A false-color electron microscope image shows the devices. Using the new scalable fabrication technique, researchers fabricated more than 1,000 devices using sub-nanometer molecular layers.

Turning molecules into reliable electronic devices

A new fabrication platform integrates molecules into electronic devices, opening the door to emerging computing technologies.

“The fact that ozone depletion would have happened as early as the late 1950s, which is much earlier than I would have thought, just absolutely blew my mind,” says Susan Solomon.

Scientists find ozone depletion began decades before discovery of ozone hole

Researchers determined that carbon tetrachloride, used as a dry-cleaning and degreasing agent as early as the 1930s, was at the root of early ozone loss.

Susan Solomon, the Lee and Geraldine Professor of Environmental Studies at MIT, has been named the 2026 Tang Prize in Sustainable Development laureate, in recognition of her research and leadership in atmospheric and climate sciences that has helped shaped global policy.

Susan Solomon named 2026 Tang Prize laureate

Solomon’s research has helped lay steps towards recovery of the ozone layer and demonstrated the lasting impacts of carbon emissions on Earth’s climate.

MIT chemists showed they can double the strength of common polymers, including polystyrene and a type of rubber used to make shoe soles.

MIT chemists design impact-resistant plastics

Introducing weaker bonds into polystyrene and rubber helps these materials dissipate energy, making them more resistant to destructive forces.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026

24 undergraduate Chemistry Majors were awarded their degrees on Friday, May 29, 2026.

Chemistry Graduate Students Celebrated at the 2026 Advanced Degree Conferral

The Department of Chemistry's advanced degree recipients were awarded their degrees and doctoral hoods on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The Chemistry Class of 2026 stands in line outside the Stata Center.

Undergraduate Achievements Celebrated at Annual Recognition Banquet

Held on May 13, 2026, the Undergraduate Recognition Banquet honored the accomplishments of the graduating Class of 2026 and other undergraduate students.

Headshots reflecting the individuals listed below.

Seven Great Mentors receive the Department of Chemistry Mentorship Spotlight Award

The winners were nominated by students, postdocs, faculty, and staff in recognition of their exceptional commitment to mentorship.