THE RAHMAN LAB / CHEMISTRY & RESEARCH
Structure. Reactivity. Evidence.
My research experience spans organic synthesis and electrocatalytic materials. I’m interested in how molecular structure, composition, and preparation influence chemical behavior—and how we can use those relationships to develop useful materials and reactions.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY / SYNTHESIS
Exploring new reactions
My independent research under Dr. Steve Fleming explored organophosphorus reagents for amination, as well as synthesis involving benzochromene and indole motifs.
This work developed my interest in reaction design, experimental troubleshooting, and the relationship between molecular structure and reactivity.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY / ELECTROCATALYSIS
Materials for water splitting
In Dr. Michael J. Zdilla’s laboratory at Temple University, I investigated layered double hydroxides (LDHs) for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER).
My work included synthesizing CuCoFe and CoFeCr materials and studying how preparation and treatment affect catalytic performance, combining materials synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical measurements.
Laboratory experience
My laboratory experience includes synthesis, purification, air-free techniques, and characterization using NMR, FTIR, powder X-ray diffraction, diffuse-reflectance UV–Vis, GC–MS, SEM/EDX, chromatography, and electrochemical measurements.
Across these methods, I focus on connecting experimental observations with clear explanations of chemical behavior.
Selected Submissions & Presentations
2026 / CO-AUTHORED SYMPOSIUM ABSTRACT
Synthesis of NiFe and CoFe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and enhancement of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) by Formamide treatment
Co-author: Zeshawn Rahman
Temple University Graduate Research Symposium, 2026, page 51.
2025 / ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
Development of the novel Azido-Wittig Reagent (AZW): 1-Pot Amines via familiar Wittig Chemistry
Rahman, Z., & Fleming, S. A.
ACS Philadelphia Younger Chemists Committee Fall Poster Symposium, University of Pennsylvania. September 4, 2025.
2025 / ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
Accessible Web Application and Protocol for In-Vitro Sun-Protective Factor (SPF) Analysis via Hybrid-Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (HDRS)
Rahman, Z., et al.
Submitted May 4, 2025, for the Society of Cosmetic Chemists’ 79th Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase.
2025 / SYMPOSIUM ABSTRACT
Synthesis of High Performance LDH’s for HER and OER Catalysis
Temple University CST Undergraduate Research Symposium, 2025, printed page 61 (PDF page 63).
2025 / POSTER
Drying-dependent Catalytic Performance of CuCoFe (CCF) LDH for electrochemical water-splitting
Rahman, Z., Molla, M. R., & Zdilla, M. J.
Philadelphia Inorganic Colloquium, Ursinus College. April 12, 2025.
2024 / POSTER
A Convenient Synthesis of High Performance LDHs for Electrochemical Water Splitting
Rahman, Z., Molla, M. R., & Zdilla, M. J.
Undergraduate Research Symposium, Temple University. November 13, 2024.
2024 / POSTER
Methods to Enhance Chemistry Student Engagement
Rahman, Z., & Patton, S.
Undergraduate Research Symposium, Temple University. March 27, 2024.