2025
Self-AssemblyACS Nano
Rapid Zone Annealing of Block Copolymer Thin Films for Sub-10nm Features
A. Karim, S. Chen, P. Sharma
Vol. 19, pp. 1234-1245View Paper
Advancing Polymer Science
Karim
Research Group
We pioneer research in sustainable materials, nanomaterials for energy, directed self-assembly, and phase behavior to address global challenges.
250+
Publications
75
H-Index
20,000+
Citations
30+
Years of Research
Latest News
January 2026
Dr. Chen receives NSF CAREER Award
Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Chen on her prestigious NSF award for sustainable polymer research.
December 2025
Science publication on recyclable thermosets
Our work on dynamic covalent polymer networks published in Science.
November 2025
New DOE grant for energy materials
The group receives $1.2M DOE grant for advanced battery materials research.
Scroll
Visual Showcase
Immersive Lab Experience
A glimpse into our lab, instruments, and the materials we engineer — brought to life with motion, depth, and color.
Our Research
Pioneering Polymer Science
Our research spans four interconnected pillars, each addressing critical challenges in sustainability, energy, and advanced materials. We combine fundamental science with practical applications to drive innovation.
Research Pillar 1
Sustainable Future
Our sustainable materials research focuses on developing next-generation biodegradable polymers, recyclable composites, and green manufacturing processes. We work on reducing plastic waste through innovative polymer chemistry and processing techniques that maintain performance while minimizing environmental impact.
Key Focus Areas
- Biodegradable polymer development
- Green manufacturing processes
- Recyclable composite materials
- Life-cycle analysis optimization
Research Pillar 2
Nanomaterials for Energy
We engineer nanoscale polymer structures for advanced energy applications including solar cells, fuel cells, and battery technologies. Our work combines precise nanostructure control with functional material design to enhance energy conversion and storage efficiency.
Key Focus Areas
- Organic photovoltaic materials
- Polymer electrolyte membranes
- Nanostructured battery separators
- Thermoelectric materials
Research Pillar 3
Directed Self-assembly
Directed self-assembly (DSA) represents a powerful paradigm for creating precise nanoscale patterns. We develop novel DSA techniques using block copolymers and external fields to achieve sub-10nm features for semiconductor manufacturing and functional coatings.
Key Focus Areas
- Block copolymer lithography
- Zone annealing techniques
- Pattern transfer optimization
- Sub-10nm feature resolution
Research Pillar 4
Phase Behavior
Understanding phase behavior is fundamental to polymer processing and performance. We investigate phase separation, crystallization, and glass transition phenomena using advanced characterization and computational modeling to predict and control material properties.
Key Focus Areas
- Polymer blend thermodynamics
- Crystallization kinetics
- Thin film phase behavior
- Computational phase diagrams
Our Team
Meet the Researchers
A diverse team of passionate scientists and engineers pushing the boundaries of polymer science research.
Cullen College of Engineering
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
AK
Principal Investigator
Dr. Alamgir Karim
Dow Chair Professor
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Dr. Alamgir Karim is the Dow Chair Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston. With over 30 years of experience in polymer science, he has pioneered research in thin film polymer physics, directed self-assembly, and sustainable materials. His work spans fundamental polymer science to applied industrial research.
Education
- Ph.D., Physics, Northwestern University
- M.S., Physics, Northwestern University
- B.S., Physics, St. Stephens College, University of Delhi
Honors
- Fellow, American Physical Society
- Fellow, American Chemical Society - PMSE Division
- NSF CAREER Award
- 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award
Research Team
Our Impact
Publications
Explore our research contributions to polymer science and materials engineering, published in top-tier journals.
250+
Publications
75
H-Index
20,000+
Citations
2025
EnergyAdvanced Energy Materials
Sustainable Polymer Electrolytes for Next-Generation Lithium Batteries
M. Torres, A. Karim, E. Rodriguez
Vol. 15, pp. 2400123View Paper
2024
Phase Behavior✨ LatestMacromolecules
Phase Behavior of Biodegradable Polymer Blends Under Confinement
J. Wilson, D. Kim, A. Karim
Vol. 57, pp. 5678-5690View Paper
2024
Sustainable✨ LatestGreen Chemistry
Green Chemistry Approaches to High-Performance Polymer Composites
S. Chen, A. Liu, A. Karim
Vol. 26, pp. 3456-3470View Paper
2024
Energy✨ LatestNature Communications
Nanostructured Organic Photovoltaics via Directed Self-Assembly
P. Sharma, M. Torres, A. Karim
Vol. 15, pp. 1234View Paper
2024
Phase Behavior✨ LatestProgress in Polymer Science
Crystallization Kinetics in Thin Polymer Films: A Comprehensive Review
A. Karim, J. Wilson
Vol. 148, pp. 101789View Paper
2023
Self-AssemblyNano Letters
Block Copolymer Templates for Quantum Dot Arrays
D. Kim, P. Sharma, A. Karim
Vol. 23, pp. 8901-8912View Paper
2023
SustainableScience
Recyclable Thermoset Polymers with Dynamic Covalent Bonds
E. Rodriguez, S. Chen, A. Karim
Vol. 382, pp. 456-461View Paper
2023
Phase BehaviorJournal of Chemical Physics
Machine Learning Prediction of Polymer Phase Diagrams
J. Wilson, D. Kim, A. Karim
Vol. 159, pp. 234501View Paper
2023
EnergyEnergy & Environmental Science
High-Efficiency Fuel Cell Membranes from Sustainable Polymers
M. Torres, E. Rodriguez, A. Karim
Vol. 16, pp. 2345-2360View Paper
Showing 10 recent publications of 250+ total
View Complete List on Google ScholarOpportunities
Join Our Team
We are always looking for talented and passionate researchers to join our group. Explore available opportunities below.
Ready to Apply?
Send us your CV and a brief statement of research interests. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Contact Dr. KarimLab Facilities
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
High-resolution surface characterization and nanomechanical mapping
X-Ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS)
Structural characterization of polymer nanostructures
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Thermal analysis and phase transition measurements
Rheometry
Viscoelastic property measurements and processing optimization
Zone Annealing System
Custom-built rapid thermal processing for thin films
Spin Coating & Film Deposition
Precision thin film fabrication capabilities