Innovation on Tap: James M. Tour, Professor of Chemistry, Rice University

Featured Speaker: James M. Tour, T. T. and W. F. Chao Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Computer Science, Professor of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University

Title: Nanotechnologies transitioning to commercial applications: Flash Graphene, Laser-Induced Graphene, and Molecular Nanomachines for Medicine

Abstract: After outlining the 12 companies that have been launched in the past 12 years with approximately $1.5B in investments to date, discussed will be our routes to flash graphene which will be at 1-ton-per-day production scale by summer 2023. See www.universalmatter.com. Applications in tires, concrete, asphalt, wood composites, plastics and more will be presented. This flashing technology is also used for soil remediation, capture of precious elements from electronic waste, obtaining rare earth elements from fly ash, and battery recycling. Laser-induced graphene is transitioning to air purification systems, already selling in Asia. The filters remove 99.9% of the Sars-Cov2 virus in each pass, and an occasional voltage pulse destroys the adsorbed virus. Finally, use of molecular nanomachines for drilling into and killing cancer cells, superbacteria and fungi will be discussed, as this technology is moving into medical applications.

We invite attendees to join the featured speaker and event attendees for networking at Second Draught after the talk.

About Innovation on Tap: Disruptive Technology Talks with Houston’s Leading Researchers

Industrial innovation is in the DNA of Houston (energy, health, space, and transportation), and the Ion is at the forefront of moving the city to become a technology destination, a central place where we support bold moves that embrace the innovation economy at an industrial scale. The Ion is a place where we accelerate disruption by connecting people and ideas to create a future that will not only change Houston but change the world.

The Ion Innovation on Tap lecture series is focused on bridging world-leading academic research to the broader innovation ecosystem, creating connections and partnerships that will not only accelerate translation and commercialization but form relationships that will drive future fundamental advances needed to address fundamental problems like decarbonization, personalized health care, and create resilient and sustainable livable communities.

Examples of disruptive technology include but are not limited to AI and machine learning, robotics, synthetic biology, neuro-engineering, nano-materials, cyber security, imaging, blockchain, and quantum computing.

The lecture series will feature leading researchers spanning engineering, science, and design, showcasing advanced technology and innovation from academic research labs and programs. Largely inaccessible and buried in journals and conference proceedings, technology will be presented in an accessible TED-style lecture format with ample networking opportunities. The disruptive technology lecture series will serve as a magnifying glass connecting fundamental technology to people and organizations that can benefit and help activate technology through commercialization. More than that, the lecture series will serve as a front door for collaboration between researchers and industry partners and/or the formation of new technology startups that will help establish Ion and Houston as a global hub for innovation.

Parking Instructions

Visitor Parking Lot: Enter 4200 Fannin Street into your GPS for directions directly to the visitor parking lot, located in front of The Ion building.

Overflow Parking Instructions:
Enter 4203 Fannin Street into your GPS for directions directly to this parking lot, located across the street from The Ion building.