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Thomas H. Epps III

Visiting Associate Professor 2013-2014 Associate professor and Thomas & Kipp Gutshall Chair, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware

MIT Sponsors:
- Tim Swager, Department of Chemistry
Scholar Link:Visit Thomas H. Epps III's website

Through our scientific and technological genius, we've made of this world a neighborhood. And now through our moral and ethical commitment, we must make of it a brotherhood.
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Background

Thomas Epps III is an associate professor and the Thomas & Kipp Gutshall Chair of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Delaware, with a joint appointment in materials science and engineering. Epps is a graduate of the Department of Chemical Engineering Department at MIT (BS, MS). He earned his PhD in 2004 from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in chemical engineering.

Interests

Epps’ research group at UD focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of polymeric materials that exhibit nanoscale self-assembly for use in applications including conducting membranes, nanoscale templates, coatings, and drug delivery materials. As an MLK visiting associate professor, he worked closely with Prof. Tim Swager in the Department of Chemistry on novel materials that undergo controlled assembly processes.

News Items

Nov 6, 2012

MIT welcomes six new MLK visiting professors and scholars

Appointments also extended for five current MLK visitors.

Sample Work

Publication
Real Time Laser Interference Microscopy for Bar-Spread Polystyrene/Poly (methyl methacrylate) Blends
Haq, E.; Toolan, D. T. W.; Emerson, J. A.; Epps, T. H., III; Howse, J. R.; Dunbar, A. D. F.; Ebbens, S. J. 2014 (accepted, Journal of Polymer Science: Part B – Polymer Physics) “Real Time Laser Interference Microscopy for Bar-Spread Polystyrene/Poly (methyl methacrylate) Blends”
Publication
Size evolution of highly amphiphilic macromolecular solution assemblies via a distinct bimodal pathway
Kelley, E. G.; Murphy, R. P.; Seppala, J. E.; Smart, T. P.; Hann, S. D.; Sullivan, M. O.; Epps, T. H., III, Nature Communications 2014 “Size evolution of highly amphiphilic macromolecular solution assemblies via a distinct bimodal pathway.” DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4599
Publication
A Facile Method for Generating Designer Block Copolymers from Functionalized Lignin Model Compounds
Holmberg, A. L.; Stanzione, J. F., III; Wool, R. P.; Epps, T. H., III, 2014(ASAP, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering) “A Facile Method for Generating Designer Block Copolymers from Functionalized Lignin Model Compounds.” DOI: 10.1021/sc400497a
Publication
Block Copolymers for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Young, W. S.; Kuan, W. F.; Epps, T. H., III, Journal of Polymer Science: Part B – Polymer Physics 2014, 52(1), 1-16 ([invited review article]) “Block Copolymers for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries.”

Publication
Poly(methyl methacrylate-block-vinyl-m-triphenylamine): synthesis by RAFT polymerization and melt-state self-assembly
Mastroianni, S. E.; Patterson, J. P.; O’Reilly, R. K.; Epps, T. H., III, Soft Matter 2013, 9(42), 10146-10154 “Poly(methyl methacrylate-block-vinyl-m-triphenylamine): synthesis by RAFT polymerization and melt-state self-assembly.”
Publication
Directed Self-Assembly of Block Copolymer Thin Films: Current and Future Trends
Luo, M.; Epps, T. H., III, Macromolecules 2013, 46(19), 7567-7579 “Directed Self-Assembly of Block Copolymer Thin Films: Current and Future Trends.”
Publication
Determination of Solvent-Polymer and Polymer-Polymer Flory-Huggins Interaction Parameters for Poly(3-heyxlthiophene) via Solvent Vapor Swelling
Emerson, J. A.; Toolan, D. T. W.; Howse, J. R.; Furst, E.M.; Epps, T. H., III,Macromolecules 2013, 46(16), 6533-6540 “Determination of Solvent-Polymer and Polymer-Polymer Flory-Huggins Interaction Parameters for Poly(3-heyxlthiophene) via Solvent Vapor Swelling.”
Publication
Stimuli-Responsive Materials
Theato, P.; Sumerlin, B. S.; O’Reilly, R. K.; Epps, T. H., III, Chemical Society Reviews 2013, 42, 7055-7056 “Stimuli-Responsive Materials.”
Publication
Solution assembly of amphiphilic homopolymers containing pincer ligands
Patterson, J. P.; Kelley, E. G.; Murphy, R, P.; Moughton, A. O.; Robin, M. P.; Lu, A.; Colombani, O.; Chassenieux, C.; Cheung, D.; Sullivan, M. O.; Epps, T. H., III; O’Reilly, R. K., (in press) Macromolecules 2013, “Solution assembly of amphiphilic homopolymers containing pincer ligands.”
Publication
From fundamental science to advanced technologies
Epps, T. H., III; Mahanthappa, M. K., Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics 2013, 51(7) 461-462 “From fundamental science to advanced technologies”
Publication
Manipulating Nanoscale Morphologies in Cylinder-Forming Poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene) Thin Films Using Film Thickness and Substrate Surface Chemistry Gradients
Luo, M.; Seppala, J. E.; Albert, J. N. L.; Lewis, R. L., III; Mahadevapuram, N.; Stein, G. E.; Epps, T. H., III, Macromolecules 2013, 46(5) 1803-1811 “Manipulating Nanoscale Morphologies in Cylinder-Forming Poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene) Thin Films Using Film Thickness and Substrate Surface Chemistry Gradients.”
Publication
Hollow Block Copolymer Nanoparticles Through a Spontaneous One-Step Structural Reorganization
Petzetakis, N.; Robin, M. P.; Patterson, J. P.; Kelley, E. G.; Cotanda, P.; McHale, R.; Bomans, P. H. H.; Sommerdijk, N. A. J. M.; Dove, A. P.; Epps, T. H., III; O’Reilly, R. K., ACS Nano 2013, 7(2) 1120-1128 “Hollow Block Copolymer Nanoparticles Through a Spontaneous One-Step Structural Reorganization.”
Publication
Interfacial Manipulations: Controlling Nanoscale Assembly in Bulk, Thin Film, and Solution Block Copolymer Systems
Mastroianni, S.; Epps, T. H., III, Langmuir 2013, 29(12) 3864-3878 ([invited feature article]) “Interfacial Manipulations: Controlling Nanoscale Assembly in Bulk, Thin Film, and Solution Block Copolymer Systems.”
Publication
Stimuli-responsive copolymer solution and surface assemblies for biomedical applications
Kelley, E. G.; Albert, J. N. L.; Sullivan, M. O.; Epps, T. H., III, Chemical Society Reviews 2013, (ASAP) ([invited tutorial article]) “Stimuli-responsive copolymer solution and surface assemblies for biomedical applications”
Publication
Catalytic Y-shaped Amphiphilic Homopolymers - Aqueous nanoreactors for high activity, low loading SCS pincer catalysts
Patterson, J. P.; Cotanda, P.; Kelley, E. G.; Moughton, A. O.; Lu, A.; Epps, T. H., III; O’Reilly, R. K., Polymer Chemistry 2013, 4 2033-2039 “Catalytic Y-shaped Amphiphilic Homopolymers – Aqueous nanoreactors for high activity, low loading SCS pincer catalysts”
Publication
Spatial and orientation control of cylindrical nanostructures in ABA triblock copolymer thin films by raster solvent vapor annealing (RSVA)
Seppala, J. E.; Lewis, R. L., III; Epps, T. H., III, ACS Nano 2012, 6(11) 9855-9862 “Spatial and orientation control of cylindrical nanostructures in ABA triblock copolymer thin films by raster solvent vapor annealing (RSVA).”
Publication
Effect of Partial Hydrogenation on the Phase Behavior of Poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-methyl methacrylate Triblock Copolymers
Tureau, M. S.; Epps, T. H., III, Macromolecules, 2012, 45(20) 8347-8355 “Effect of Partial Hydrogenation on the Phase Behavior of Poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-methyl methacrylate Triblock Copolymers.”
Publication
Controlling Particle Location with Mixed Surface Functionalities in Block Copolymer Thin Films
Mayeda, M.K.; Kuan, W.-F.; Young, W.-S.; Lauterbach, J.A.; Epps, T. H., III,Chemistry of Materials, 2012, 24(14), 2627-2634 “Controlling Particle Location with Mixed Surface Functionalities in Block Copolymer Thin Films.”
Publication
Slow Release Kinetics of Mitoxantrone from Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Films
Labiano, A.; Dai, M.; Taylor, D.; Young, W.-S.; Epps, T. H., III, Rege, K.; Vogt, B. D., Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 2012, 160, 143-150 “Slow Release Kinetics of Mitoxantrone from Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Films.”
Publication
nducing Order from Disordered Copolymers - On Demand Generation of Triblock Morphologies Including Networks
Tureau, M. S.; Kuan, W. F.; Rong, L.; Hsiao, B. H.; Epps, T. H., III,Macromolecules, 2012, 45(11), 4599-4605 “Inducing Order from Disordered Copolymers – On Demand Generation of Triblock Morphologies Including Networks.”
Publication
Ionic Conductivities of Block Copolymer Electrolytes with Various Conducting Pathways: Sample Preparation and Processing Considerations
Young, W.; Epps, T. H., III, Macromolecules, 2012, 45(11), 4689-4697 “Ionic Conductivities of Block Copolymer Electrolytes with Various Conducting Pathways: Sample Preparation and Processing Considerations.”
Publication
Design and Synthesis of Network-Forming Triblock Copolymers Using Tapered Interfaces
Kuan, W.F.; Roy, R.; Rong, L.; Hsiao, B.; Epps, T.H., III, ACS Macro Letters,2012, 1 519-523 “Design and Synthesis of Network-Forming Triblock Copolymers Using Tapered Interfaces.”
Publication
Impact of Homopolymer Pore Expander on the Morphology of Mesoporous Carbon Films using Organic-Organic Self-Assembly
Labiano, A.; Dai, M.; Young, W.-S.; Stein, G.; Cavicchi, K.; Epps, T.H., III; Vogt, B., Journal of Physical Chemistry C 2012, 116, 6038-6046 “Impact of Homopolymer Pore Expander on the Morphology of Mesoporous Carbon Films using Organic-Organic Self-Assembly.”
Publication
Systematic Study of the Effect of Solvent Removal Rate on the Morphology of Solvent Vapor Annealed ABA Triblock Copolymer Thin Films
Albert, J.N.L.; Young, W.; Lewis, R.L., III; Bogart, T.D.; Smith, J.; Epps, T.H., III, ACS Nano 2012, 6(1) 459-466 “Systematic Study of the Effect of Solvent Removal Rate on the Morphology of Solvent Vapor Annealed ABA Triblock Copolymer Thin Films.”
Publication
A simple approach to characterizing block copolymer assemblies: graphene oxide supports for high contrast multi-technique imaging
Patterson, J.P.; Sanchez, A.M.; Petzetakis, N.; Smart, T.P.; Epps, T.H., III; Portman, I.; Wilson, N.R.; O’Reilly, R.K., Soft Matter 2012, 8(12) 3322-3328 “A simple approach to characterizing block copolymer assemblies: graphene oxide supports for high contrast multi-technique imaging.”
Publication
Manipulating Morphology and Orientation in Thermally-Responsive Block Copolymer Thin Films
Kelly, J.Y.; Albert, J.N.L.; Howarter, J.A.; Stafford, C.M.; Epps, T.H., III, Fasolka, M.J., Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics 2012, 50(4) 263-271 “Manipulating Morphology and Orientation in Thermally-Responsive Block Copolymer Thin Films.”
Publication
Synthesis and Characterization of Amphiphilic Cyclic Diblock Copolypeptoids from N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Mediated Zwitterionic Polymerization of N-Substituted N-Carboxyanhydride
Lee, C.; Smart, T.P.; Guo, L.; Epps, T.H., III; Zhang, D., Macromolecules,2011, 44(24) 9574-9585 “Synthesis and Characterization of Amphiphilic Cyclic Diblock Copolypeptoids from N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Mediated Zwitterionic Polymerization of N-Substituted N-Carboxyanhydride.”
Publication
Mixed-salt Effects on the Ionic Conductivity of Lithium-doped PEO-Containing Block Copolymers
Young, W.; Albert, J.N.L; Schantz, A.B.; Epps, T.H., III, Macromolecules,2011, 44(20) 8116-8123 “Mixed-salt Effects on the Ionic Conductivity of Lithium-doped PEO-Containing Block Copolymers.”
Publication
L-Proline functionalized polymers prepared by RAFT polymerization and their assemblies as supported organocatalysts
Lu, A.; Smart, T.P.; Epps, T.H., III; Longbottom, D.A.; O’Reilly, R.K.,Macromolecules, 2011, 44(18) 7233-7241 “L-Proline functionalized polymers prepared by RAFT polymerization and their assemblies as supported organocatalysts.”
Publication
Controlled Vapor Deposition Approach to Generating Substrate Surface Energy/Chemistry Gradients
Albert, J.N.L.; Kim, J.; Stafford, C.M.; Epps, T.H., III, Review of Scientific Instruments, 2011, 82, 0651031-0651037. “Controlled Vapor Deposition Approach to Generating Substrate Surface Energy/Chemistry Gradients.”
Publication
Structural changes in block copolymer micelles induced by cosolvent mixtures
Kelley, E. G.; Smart, T. P.; Jackson, A. J.; Sullivan, M. O.; Epps, T. H., III.Soft Matter, 2011, 7(15), 7094-7102. “Structural changes in block copolymer micelles induced by cosolvent mixtures.”
Publication
Gyroid Networks in Tapered Diblock Copolymers
Roy, R.; Park, J. K.; Young, W.; Mastroianni, S.; Tureau, M. S.; Epps, T. H., III, Macromolecules, 2011, 44(10), 3910-3915. “Gyroid Networks in Tapered Diblock Copolymers.”
Publication
Gradient Solvent Vapor Annealing of Block Copolymer Thin Films Using a Microfluidic Mixing Device
Albert, J. N. L.; Bogart, T. D.; Lewis, R. L.; Beers, K. L.; Fasolka, M. J.; Hutchison, J. B.; Vogt, B. V.; Epps, T. H., III, Nano Letters, 2011, 11(3), 1351-1357. “Gradient Solvent Vapor Annealing of Block Copolymer Thin Films Using a Microfluidic Mixing Device.”
Publication
The American Physical Society Division of Polymer Physics Special Issue Introduction
Tsui, O. K. C., Epps, T. H., III, Journal of Polymer Science: Part B – Polymer Physics, 2010, 48(24), 2531-2532. “The American Physical Society Division of Polymer Physics Special Issue Introduction.”
Publication
Propagating Deprotection Wave Fronts in Thermally Responsive Block Copolymer Thin Films
Kelly, J. Y.; Albert, J. N. L.; Howarter, J. A.; Kang, S.; Stafford, C. M.; Epps, T. H., III; Fasolka, M. J., ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2010, 2(11), 3241-3248. “Propagating Deprotection Wave Fronts in Thermally Responsive Block Copolymer Thin Films.”
Publication
Phase Behavior of Neat Triblock Copolymers and Copolymer/Homopolymer Blends Near Network Phase Windows
Tureau, M. S.; Rong, L.; Hsiao, B.; Epps, T. H., III. Macromolecules. 2010,43(21), 9039-9048. “Phase Behavior of Neat Triblock Copolymers and Copolymer/Homopolymer Blends Near Network Phase Windows.”
Publication
Self-Assembly in Block Copolymer Thin Films
Albert, J. N. L.; Epps, T. H., III, Materials Today, 2010, 13(6) 24-33 ([invited review article]) “Self-Assembly in Block Copolymer Thin Films”
Publication
Generation of Monolayer Gradients in Surface Energy and Surface Chemistry for Block Copolymer Thin Film Studies
Albert, J. N. L.; Baney, M. J.; Stafford, C. M.; Kelly, J. Y.; Epps, T. H., III,ACS Nano, 2009, 3(12), “Generation of Monolayer Gradients in Surface Energy and Surface Chemistry for Block Copolymer Thin Film Studies.”
Publication
Ordered three- and five-ply nanocomposites from ABC block terpolymer microphase separation with niobia and aluminosilicate sols
Stefik, M.; Mahajan, S.; Sai, H.; Epps, T. H., III; Bates, F.S.; Gruner, S. M.; DiSalvo, F. J.; Wiesner, U., Chemistry of Materials, 2009, 21(22), 5466-5473. “Ordered three- and five-ply nanocomposites from ABC block terpolymer microphase separation with niobia and aluminosilicate sols.”
Publication
Nanoscale Networks in Poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) Triblock Copolymers
Tureau, M. S.; Epps, T. H., III, Macromolecular Rapid Communications, 2009, 30(20) 1751-1755. “Nanoscale Networks in Poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) Triblock Copolymers.”
Publication
Manipulating Ordering Transitions in Interfacially Modified Block Copolymers
Singh, N.; Tureau, M. S.; Epps, T. H., III, Soft Matter, 2009, 5(23) 4757-4762. “Manipulating Ordering Transitions in Interfacially Modified Block Copolymers.”
Publication
Salt doping in PEO-containing block copolymers: counterion and concentration effects
Young, W.; Epps, T. H., III, Macromolecules, 2009, 42 (7); 2672-2678 “Salt doping in PEO-containing block copolymers: counterion and concentration effects”
Publication
Preparation of Combinatorial Arrays of Polymer Thin Films for Transmission Electron Microscopy Analysis
Roskov, K.E.; Epps, T.H., III; Berry, B.C.; Hudson, S.D.; Tureau, M.S.; Fasolka, M.J., Journal of Combinatorial Chemistry, 2008, 10(6), 966-973. “Preparation of Combinatorial Arrays of Polymer Thin Films for Transmission Electron Microscopy Analysis.”
Publication
Crystallization-induced lamellar-to-lamellar thermal transition in salt-containing block copolymer electrolytes
Young, W.S.; Brigandi, P.J.; Epps, T.H., III,Macromolecules,2008, 41(17), 6276-6279. “Crystallization-induced lamellar-to-lamellar thermal transition in salt-containing block copolymer electrolytes.”
Publication
Linear and Nonlinear Mechanical Response of a Polyurea Segmented Block Copolymer
Pathak, J.A.; Twigg, J.N.; Nugent, K.E.; Ho, D.L.; Lin, E.K.; Mott, P.H.; Robertson, C.G.; Vukmir, M.K.; Epps, T.H., III; Roland, C.M.,Macromolecules, 2008, 41(20), 7543-7548. “Linear and Nonlinear Mechanical Response of a Polyurea Segmented Block Copolymer.”
Publication
Substrate Surface Energy Dependent Morphology and Dewetting in an ABC Triblock Copolymer Film
Epps, T. H., III; DeLongchamp, D. M.; Fasolka, M. J.; Fischer, D. A.; Jablonski, E. L. Langmuir, 2007, 23(6); 3355-3362. “Substrate Surface Energy Dependent Morphology and Dewetting in an ABC Triblock Copolymer Film.”
Publication
Generating Thickness Gradients of Thin Polymer Films via Flow Coating
Stafford, C.M.; Roskov, K.E.; Epps, T. H., III; Fasolka, M.J. Review of Scientific Instruments 2006, 77(2), 0239081-0239087 “Generating Thickness Gradients of Thin Polymer Films via Flow Coating.”
Publication
Effect of Molecular Weight on Network Formation in Linear ABC Triblock Copolymers
Epps, T. H., III; Bates, F.S. Macromolecules 2006, 39(7), 2676-2682. “Effect of Molecular Weight on Network Formation in Linear ABC Triblock Copolymers.”
Publication
Phase Transformations Involving Network Phases in ISO Triblock Copolymer-Homopolymer Blends
Epps, T. H., III; Chatterjee, J.; Bates, F. S. Macromolecules 2005, 38(21), 8775-8784. “Phase Transformations Involving Network Phases in ISO Triblock Copolymer-Homopolymer Blends.”
Publication
Ordered Network Phases in Linear Poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-ethylene oxide) Triblock Copolymers
Epps, T. H., III; Cochran, E. W.; Bailey, T. S.; Waletzko, R. S.; Hardy, C. M.; Bates, F. S.Macromolecules 2004, 37, 8325-8341. “Ordered Network Phases in Linear Poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-ethylene oxide) Triblock Copolymers.”
Publication
Network Phases in ABC Triblock Copolymers
Epps, T. H., III; Cochran, E. W.; Hardy, C. M.; Bailey, T. S.; Waletzko, R. S.; Bates, F. S.Macromolecules 2004, 37, 7085-7088. “Network Phases in ABC Triblock Copolymers.”
Publication
Phase Behavior and Crystallization of Lithium Perchlorate-Doped Poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-ethylene oxide) and Poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-ethylene oxide) Triblock Copolymers
Epps, T. H., III; Bailey, T. S.; Waletzko, R.; Bates, F. S. Macromolecules2003, 36, 2873-2881. “Phase Behavior and Crystallization of Lithium Perchlorate-Doped Poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-ethylene oxide) and Poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-ethylene oxide) Triblock Copolymers.”
Publication
Phase Behavior of Lithium Perchlorate-Doped Poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-ethylene oxide) Triblock Copolymers
Epps, T. H., III; Bailey, T. S.; Pham, H. D.; Bates, F. S. Chemistry of Materials 2002, 14, 1706-1714. “Phase Behavior of Lithium Perchlorate-Doped Poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-ethylene oxide) Triblock Copolymers.”
Publication
A noncubic triply periodic network morphology in poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-ethylene oxide) copolymers
Bailey, T. S.; Epps, T. H., III; Bates, F. S. Macromolecules 2002, 35, 7007-7017. “A noncubic triply periodic network morphology in poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-ethylene oxide) copolymers.”

Thomas H. Epps III

Background

Interests

News Items

MIT welcomes six new MLK visiting professors and scholars

Sample Work

Publication

Real Time Laser Interference Microscopy for Bar-Spread Polystyrene/Poly (methyl methacrylate) Blends

Publication

Size evolution of highly amphiphilic macromolecular solution assemblies via a distinct bimodal pathway

Publication

A Facile Method for Generating Designer Block Copolymers from Functionalized Lignin Model Compounds

Publication

Block Copolymers for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

View more work