During more than 30 years of research in electron-transfer reactions, photochemistry, and electrochemistry, Elliott focused on transition-metal complexes with renewable energy applications in redox-active polymer materials, materials with novel electronic properties, redox catalysis, and sensors. He held U.S. and international patents and is credited with more than 120 publications. He was a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and received the Phillips Petroleum Award for Excellence in Research & Teaching in 1985 and the Outstanding Science Mentor Award from Colorado State University in 2005.