Research Interests

Solubilization Phenomena
Solubilization is the incorporation of compounds into the aqueous phase in excess of their water solubility, accomplished through the formation of aqueous micelles of surfactant. Research in this area includes solubilization studies of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aqueous micelles, and how their structure and properties enhance or inhibit the efficiency of the process.

Colloid Characterization
Determination of electrophoretic mobility of colloidal contaminants in water is useful in water treatment processing. Recent research shows that electrophoretic property measurement is important in determining the quality of the treatment process, indicating whether additional treatment is required.

Optimal solution conditions for the adsorption of model vaccines (proteins) on alumina surfaces are indicated once the electrophoretic mobility of both the protein and adsorbent surface are obtained experimentally. These conditions should occur when the oppositely charged protein and adsorbent surfaces have the highest possible zeta potential values. Adsorption studies with these systems are in progress to determine the optimal adsorption conditions.

Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces (CPS) Program
Professor Jacobson is Director of the CPS Program, an interdisciplinary educational program providing coursework and an MS degree in the study of nanoparticles, macromolecules, interfaces and the complex fluids formed by these materials. The program includes the PPG Industries CPS Laboratory, a facility used for teaching and research for graduate and undergraduate students. The laboratory is equipped for the study and characterization of complex fluids. 

Related sites:

Colloids, Polymers, and Surfaces Program

Representative Publications

E.Subrahmanian, A. Westerberg, S. Talkudar, J. Garrett, A. Jacobson, C. Paredis, C. Amon "Integrating Social Aspects and Group Work Aspects in Engineering Design Education", Int. J. Engng. Ed. Vol. 19, No. 1,pp.75-80, 2003.

R. Frollini, A. Jacobson, "Chemical Engineering and Cosmetics: Making the Connection between Chemistry and Engineering Processes in Product Manufacuting", Proceedings from the Women in Engineering Programs & Advocates Network(WEPAN), Pittsburgh Conference, June 2006.

Liu, Z., Jacobson, A.M., and Luthy, R.G. "Biodegradation of Naphthalene in Aqueous Nonionic Surfactant Systems," Applied and Environmental Microbiology, vol. 61, no. 1, 145-151, 1995.

Auger, R., Jacobson, A.M., and Domach, M.M. "Overflow Metabolism and Inhibition of Naphthalene Biodegradation," Journal of Hazardous Materials, vol. 43, 263-272, 1995.