Texas State University 4 articles published in JoVE Chemistry Effect of Microwave Synthesis Conditions on the Structure of Nickel Hydroxide Nanosheets Samuel W. Kimmel1, Vivian Kuykendall2, Cole Mough2, Avery Landry3, Christopher P. Rhodes1,2 1Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization Program, Texas State University, 2Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 3Westlake Highschool Nickel hydroxide nanosheets are synthesized by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal reaction. This protocol demonstrates that the reaction temperature and time used for microwave synthesis affects the reaction yield, crystal structure, and local coordination environment. Engineering Non-aqueous Electrode Processing and Construction of Lithium-ion Coin Cells Malcolm Stein IV1, Chien-Fan Chen1, Daniel J. Robles1, Christopher Rhodes2, Partha P. Mukherjee1 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 2Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University Non-aqueous electrode processing is central to the construction of coin cells and the evaluation of new electrode chemistries for lithium-ion batteries. A step-by-step guide to the basic practices needed as an electrochemical engineer working with batteries in an academic experimental setting is furnished. Engineering Electroactive Polymer Nanoparticles Exhibiting Photothermal Properties Travis Cantu1, Bradley Rodier2, Zachary Iszard2, Alissa Kilian2, Varun Pattani3, Kyle Walsh2, Katharina Weber2, James Tunnell3, Tania Betancourt1,2, Jennifer Irvin1,2 1Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization Program, Texas State University, 2Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin A protocol is presented for the synthesis and preparation of nanoparticles consisting of electroactive polymers. Chemistry Preparation and Use of Carbonyl-decorated Carbenes in the Activation of White Phosphorus Antonio J. Torres1, Christopher L. Dorsey1, Todd W. Hudnall1 1Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University Here, we present a protocol for the synthesis of two carbonyl-decorated carbenes. The protocol makes these interesting compounds readily available to chemists of all skill levels. In addition to the synthesis of these two carbenes, their use in the activation of white phosphorus is also described.