John M. Prausnitz

John M. Prausnitz

Professor of the Graduate School

email: prausni@berkeley.edu
office: 308 Gilman
phone: 510.642.3592

Research Group
Recent Publications


Research Interests

Molecular thermodynamics of phase equilibria

The purpose of our research is to obtain, interpret and correlate thermodynamic properties of a variety of mixtures as required for process and product design in the chemical and related industries, including biotechnology. Toward that end, we obtain experimental data, perform Monte-Carlo molecular simulations and develop molecular-thermodynamic models based on the statistical mechanics of fluids and solids. Attention is given to crude oils, natural gas, polymers, ionic liquids, and protein solutions. While these research studies contribute to our fundamental understanding of condensed matter, their primary application is for economic, industrial-scale chemical engineering design.

Biography

  • Faculty Senior Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
  • Ph.D. Princeton (1955)
  • Member, National Academy of Sciences (1973)
  • Member, National Academy of Engineering (1979)
  • Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (1988)
  • Honorary Doctor of Engineering, Univ. of L'Aquila, Italy (1983)
  • Honorary Doctor of Engineering, Tech. Univ. of Berlin, Germany (1989)
  • Honorary Doctor of Science, Princeton (1995)
  • Honorary Doctor of Engineering, Univ. of Padua
  • National Medal of Science (2003)