Roy G. Gordon

Roy G. Gordon is the Thomas Dudley Cabot Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Materials Science at Harvard University, where he leads a major research program at the intersection of materials chemistry, electrochemistry, and energy technology. He earned his PhD in Chemistry from Harvard University and has built a distinguished career spanning several decades. Gordon's research focuses on developing novel materials and electrochemical systems for critical energy and environmental applications. His current work centers on two transformative areas: electrochemical carbon capture and advanced energy storage. He pioneers aqueous organic redox flow batteries, designing electrolytes with high stability, solubility, and low membrane permeability for grid-scale storage. Simultaneously, his group develops innovative electrochemical systems for direct air capture of CO₂, utilizing spatially isolated electrodes and quinone-mediated flow chemistry to enable energy-efficient carbon removal. His earlier foundational contributions include semiconductor materials and devices, thin-film deposition techniques, and electrocatalysts for energy conversion. Gordon's research is characterized by its emphasis on practical, scalable solutions grounded in fundamental chemical principles. He has authored over 630 publications and maintains an h-index of 98, reflecting the sustained impact of his work. His recent papers in journals such as Nature Energy and Nature Chemical Engineering demonstrate leadership in emerging electrochemical technologies for climate mitigation. Gordon's group frequently collaborates with national laboratories and industry partners, and his students have received recognition including the Battery Division Student Research Award.