Bonitatibus’ work in nanoparticle engineering will support LESA’s research in high refractive index materials as part of the Center’s fundamental research.
(Troy, New York) The LESA Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is proud to announce the addition of Rensselaer Professor Peter Bonitatibus from the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology as its newest faculty researcher.
Bonitatibus’ research interest and expertise in metal oxide nanoparticle synthesis and surface functionalization for matrix compatibilization (e.g., nanocomposites) align well with fundamental LESA research efforts and previous work of Linda Schadler – now at the University of Vermont. Bonitatibus will be able to renew research efforts in this area as interest in the use of nanoparticles for engineering the refractive index of optical systems is experiencing a resurgence. His research can address improvements in light extraction and color mixing with highly stable, high index optical materials. His novel coating work also fits well with the work of LESA researcher Chaitanya Ullal and recent LESA graduate (RPI ’19) Michael Deagen in new nano-transfer adhesion processes that combine plasma bonding with layer by layer transfer molding of optical materials at the nanoscale.
Bonitatibus has authored 42 technical publications, holds 15 US issued patents and given over 30 presentations. He also has more than 15 years of industrial experience as a Senior Scientist at GE Global Research where he led various R&D projects funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Bonitatibus is credited with the invention of a portfolio of intravenous X-ray/CT contrast agents that comprise a 3nm tantalum oxide nanoparticle core coated with a bio-compatible siloxane polymer shell. His nanoparticle expertise includes exploratory synthetic work, process optimization, and nanoparticle ultra-purification with establishment of product specification limits for pilot scale-up activities.
Prior to joining GE, Bonitatibus completed postdoctoral research at MIT in the labs of Prof. Richard R. Schrock, the 2005 Nobel Prize recipient in Chemistry and published a total of 16 journal articles with Prof. Schrock. Bonitatibus has served as a reviewer for the Journal of the American Chemical Society and Congress of the World Molecular Imaging Society, as well as a referee for the Royal Society of Chemistry. Bonitatibus holds a PhD (with honors) in Chemistry from Boston College and a BS in Chemistry from Fairfield University under a Pfizer Fellowship.
Bonitatibus can collaborate with our industry members on current or future projects, (i.e. sponsored research and/or joint proposals). He is available for discussions prior to center membership with companies interested in learning more about his work and synergies with the LESA Center. Bonitatibus will be at the upcoming annual Industry-Academia Days April 10-11, 2019 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, New York. To learn more or to be connected with Dr. Bonitatibus (or to become a Center member) please contact Leah Scott at scottl2@rpi.edu or 518-276-4010 to schedule an appointment or phone conference.