Alkali Metals Research and Applications
Dr. James Dye
University Distinguished Professor, Emeritus, Department of Chemistry
Alkali metals are highly reactive, especially in water, and are historically considered hazardous to use and store because of their reactivity. Dr. Dye’s six decades of research on alkali metals have resulted in the development and commercialization of numerous ways to make them safer, allowing them to be used in a variety of applications that have impacted multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, petroleum refining and fuel cell production. In 2005, Dr. Dye co-founded SiGNa Chemistry Inc., which uses his work to transform alkali metals into safe powders. SiGNa develops high performing, cost‐effective chemical products that are also environmentally safe.
Throughout his prolific career, Dr. Dye received prestigious awards and professional honors far too numerous to mention. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and was recently elected to the National Academy of Inventors as a Fellow. He received the American Chemical Society National Award in Inorganic Chemistry in 1997, and SiGNa received the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award in 2008.
Dr. Dye arrived at MSU following his 1953 PhD at Iowa State University and, at least on paper, retired from MSU in 1994. Since then, he has conducted research and mentored students as an extremely productive Professor Emeritus.
MSU Technologies is pleased to recognize Dr. Dye and his team for their research and innovation.