Professor Smotkin’s research is the development and understanding of materials and electrochemical systems for clean energy and sustainable chemical processes. His multidisciplinary research combines entrepreneurialism with electrochemistry, materials chemistry, spectroscopy, and computational modeling to understand and improve catalysts, electrodes, electrolytes, fuel cells, batteries, and other electrochemical systems.
A major focus of his research has been the development and application of operando spectroscopy—methods that allow materials and catalyst interfaces to be studied in devices under normal operating conditions. His group has developed Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman specroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and related techniques to probe buried interfaces under operando conditions. His research has also contributed to electrochemical technologies for high throughput electrochemical characterization of catalysts under operando conditions.
More recently, his research has expanded into battery characterization, reconditioning, reuse, and second-life energy storage, particularly involving retired hybrid and electric-vehicle batteries for renewable-energy storage. This work connects fundamental electrochemistry and materials characterization with practical approaches to extending battery lifetime, reducing waste, and supporting renewable energy.
He founded the Technology and Education Center for Renewable Energy (TECRE), a Puerto Rico-based 501 (c)(3) working at the intersection of renewable energy, battery repurposing, education, workforce development, and community energy resilience. TECRE is developing a Circular Battery Economy™ for Puerto Rico, with the goal of transforming retired vehicle batteries into energy-storage resources while creating educational and economic opportunities. TECRE has demonstrated the repurposing of retired Toyota hybrid battery modules in a solar-powered residential energy-storage system in Utuado, Puerto Rico. Northeastern produced a documentary on this event.
He founded NuVant Systems Inc., a spin-off from his academic laboratory. NuVant developed electrochemical and energy technologies for research and commercial applications and was acquired by A3 Global in 2022.
Smotkin is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and a frequent contributor of opinion articles to El Nuevo Día, Puerto Rico’s leading newspaper, where he writes on energy, technology, education, and issues affecting Puerto Rico’s future. His research and public scholarship have resulted in numerous scientific publications, patents, industry collaborations, and technologies that have progressed from fundamental academic research to commercial applications.
Professor Smotkin is the faculty advisor for the Electrochemical Society Student Chapter of Boston
Publications
Awards & Recognition
In The News
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News
How US policies and perceptions impact Puerto Rico’s energy infrastructure
Eugene Smotkin, professor of chemistry, was one of more than a million residents who lost power in Puerto Rico on New Year’s Eve. Issues with the power grid are not out of the norm but for Smotkin the bigger picture problem is the way Puerto Rico is treated by the US. -
Northeastern professor Eugene Smotkin named fellow by prestigious American Association for the Advancement of Science
Professor of chemistry and chemical biology Eugene Smotkin has been named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). A forerunner in the techniques of operando spectroscopy, Smotkin was the first to examine the behavior of chemical catalysts in fuel cells while they actively underwent chemical reactions. Using various spectroscopic techniques,... -
25th Roxbury Film Festival will feature Northeastern film
Hurricane Maria was one of the worst natural disasters in history, a Category 5 storm that packed 175 mph winds, left over 3,000 people dead and devastated the northeastern Caribbean in September 2017. -
Northeastern researcher helps convert astronauts’ wastewater into alternative fuel for use in outer space
Researchers have successfully figured out how to extract energy from wastewater in outer space. The findings will give astronauts an alternative fuel source to power future trips to the moon, Mars or beyond. -
Winter’s coming. Here are some things you can do to lower your energy bills
Northeastern University experts in climate change and heat resilience explain why cold weather persists in the face of global warming—and offer tips on conserving heat energy. -
Recovery from Hurricane Fiona cuts to the heart of US-Puerto Rico relations
Hurricane Fiona dropped 30 inches of rain on Puerto Rico over the weekend, causing widespread, intense flooding on an island that was still recovering from 2017's catastrophic Hurricane Maria. -
Fall is here… but summer is coming. How to prepare for the next extreme heat wave now
Summer is over, but memories of the season’s historic heat waves are burned into our consciousness. Before the next scorcher hits—next week? Next year?—consider these strategies from professors at Northeastern on projects to tackle now and supplies to have on hand to stay cool and keep you and your loved ones safe. With climatologists saying... -
Re-Charging Batteries for a Clean Energy Future: Professor Eugene Smotkin’s Research, Company, and Nonprofit are Innovating the Future of Renewable Energy
Professor Eugene Smotkin is making reusable hybrid-batteries the future of clean energy through his research, his company, and his nonprofit.