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

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 Commendable 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.

XtalPi AI for Science Fellows to present Virtual Symposium

All are welcome to join the symposium via Zoom on Monday, May 11, 2026.

Six Chemistry Students Receive National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships

Recipients of this prestigious award represent a diverse group of scientific disciplines from all U.S. states, commonwealths, and territories.

“Production of ozone-depleting substances has pretty much ceased around the world except for this one use, which is when you have a chemical you convert into something else,” says Susan Solomon.

A regulatory loophole could delay ozone recovery by years

Scientists say an exception in the Montreal Protocol for the use of ozone-depleting feedstocks could set the ozone recovery back seven years.

MIT chemists have found that changing the composition of the cell membrane can alter the function of EGFR, a cell receptor that promotes proliferation and is often overactive in cancer cells.

MIT study reveals a new role for cell membranes

Long thought to be mainly a structural support, the cell membrane also influences how cells respond to signals and may contribute to the growth of cancer cells.

MIT ranks No. 1 in 12 subject areas in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the organization announced.

QS World University Rankings rates MIT No. 1 in 12 subjects for 2026

The Institute also ranks second in seven subject areas.

Researchers detected statistically significant changes in global atmospheric temperatures in response to three major natural events: the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 (inset on left), the Australian wildfires in 2019-2020 (center), and the eruption of the underwater volcano Hunga Tonga in the South Pacific in 2022 (bottom right).

Study reveals climatic fingerprints of wildfires and volcanic eruptions

In research that could help elucidate humans’ role in global warming, scientists showed how three major natural events impacted global atmospheric temperatures.