Catalysis and Separation Science

We design, synthesize, and characterize ligands and organometallic complexes for catalysis.  We conduct structure-function studies of complex molecular and material systems including hydrogen storage media and biomass for renewable energy.  We also synthesize and characterize heterogeneous catalysts including micro- and mesoporous materials. (ligand and catalyst synthesis, tandem catalysis, novel reaction media, dihydrogen chemistry, biomass chemistry).

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Catalysis: Vanadium(III) complex formed in new mechanism for catalytic oxidation of model lignin compounds

Inorganic transformations: Novel use of hydrazine to regenerate ammonia borane (a promising material for storing H2)

January 2012