PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) graduate researcher Jim Floyd (Washington State University [WSU]) has been selected as a Platinum Award Winner in the American Chemical Society’s Division of Energy and Fuels (ENFL) Student Award Competition. This prestigious recognition honors the exceptional quality and impact of his presentation, “Towards a Predictive Understanding of Solvent and Catalyst Design for Reactive Carbon Capture.” 

The national ENFL Student Award Competition showcases innovative research from undergraduate and graduate scholars working at the forefront of energy, fuel chemistry, and sustainable technology advancement. Floyd’s selection as a Platinum Award recipient places his work among the most promising and influential contributions presented at the national meeting.

The American Chemical Society’s Division of Energy and Fuels advances energy-related research, development, and education to help address global energy and chemical challenges. Its community of thousands of scientists and engineers spans academia, government, and industry, working collaboratively on innovations in hydrogen, batteries, carbon capture, energy, and hydrocarbon fuels. 

Floyd joined PNNL in April 2025 through the PNNL-WSU Distinguished Graduate Research Program, bringing a passion for fundamental science that drives innovation. His research spans solvent effects in heterogeneous catalysis, integrated carbon capture and conversion, biomass utilization, and the synthesis and application of nanotube materials. Collectively, his work supports PNNL’s mission to deepen the foundational knowledge that will enable a new energy future. 

In his award-winning presentation, Floyd demonstrated how working pH control influences amine-based CO₂ capture and conversion, showing that amine sterics and nucleophilicity govern reaction selectivity and capture-agent stability. His systematic study provides valuable design insights for any research group developing related solvent–catalyst systems.

Reflecting on the achievement, Floyd shared, “It is an immense honor to have received this award. It represents the culmination of the time and sacrifice of the many mentors and supporters I have had the gift of learning from.”

He credits the technical expertise, guidance, and patience of colleagues, including Jothi Kothandaraman, Robert Dagle, Tracy Baker, Mike Hubbard, Johnny Saavedra Lopez, Eric Walter, Dushyant Barpaga, Jaelynne King, Benjamin Jackson, Elizabeth Randle, among others, for helping him flourish at PNNL. Central to Floyd’s development has been David (Dave) Heldebrant, his advisor at both WSU and PNNL. Floyd noted, “Dave has taught me the ‘art of science.’ We began working together when I was at WSU, where we found a common passion for chemistry in catalysis. Serving as the platonic form of compassionate leadership, Dave has devoted himself to the cultivation of the future leaders of science.”

“I cannot take credit for Jim’s rapid ascension. I have merely opened doors, and Jim has taken the initiative to walk through them. His humility, intelligence, passion, perseverance, and quest for knowledge are the true reasons for his success and his bright future as a leader in our field,” expressed Heldebrant.

“Ultimately, I am proud to represent PNNL and WSU, and I remain dedicated to furthering the science with the amazing people at both institutions,” said Floyd.