Dr. Rabih Sultan

Professor
Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

B.Sc., AUB (1979); M.Sc., AUB (1981); A.E.A. Université Paris VI (1983); Ph.D., Indiana University (1986).

• Chemical reactions couple to transport properties through a nonlinear dynamics that can yield complex spatio-temporal structures on both macroscopic and microscopic scales. Beautiful patterns are observed in convection fluids, flames, oscillating reactions, morphogenesis, precipitate systems... Propagation of waves of chemical activity characterize certain physiological processes such as nerve transmission and cardiac rhythmic function. We study such exotic phenomena in physico-chemical systems both theoretically and experimentally. We carry out experiments to explore new systems and new behavior, notably pattern formation in precipitate systems, and tree-like ramified structures in metal electrodeposition systems. The latter are studied from the viewpoint of fractal analysis. We also attempt to unravel the similarities between the geochemical self-organization (band and stripe formation in rocks) and the periodic precipitation observations (Liesegang banding). Finally, we try to interpret the observed behavior by modeling the reaction-diffusion/other transport equations that underlie the dynamics of those systems.

Selected Publications

• Profiles of Co(NH ₃) ₆²⁺and Ni(NH ₃) ₆²⁺Complexes in Two-Cation Liesegang Systems, Chem. Phys. Lett., 2008, 453, 40-44. (with L. Badr).

• Front Propagation in Patterned Precipitation 3: Composition Variations in Two-Precipitate Stratum Dynamics, J. Phys. Chem. A, 2007, 111 (30), 6967-6976. (with M. Msharrafieh, M. Al-Ghoul and H. Batlouni).

• Dynamics of a Complex Diffusion-Precipitation-Redissolution Liesegang Pattern, Chem. Phys. Lett., 2006, 421(1-3), 221-226. (with M. Msharrafieh).

• Density, Fractal Angle and Fractal Dimension in Linear Zn Electrodeposition Morphology, J. Non-Equilib. Thermodyn.2005, 30, 321-336. (with R. Saab).