Project Overview
Developing Novel Bimetallic Catalysis for Challenging Chemical Transformations
Department(s)
Chemistry
Abstract
One of our primary focuses is on the element bismuth, which is the heaviest stable element. Unlike its neighbours in the periodic table, bismuth is low-cost and low-toxic. Chemical catalysis traditionally relies on lighter main-group elements such as nitrogen and phosphorus to modulate the reactivity of transition metals. However, we ask: how do heavy main-group element such as bismuth differ from conventional lighter congeners such as nitrogen and phosphorus as donor ligands in modulating reactivity, electronic structure, and catalytic performance, and how can these differences be harnessed to reshaped catalytic cycles. Our research centers on a family of bismuth–supported transition-metal complexes as catalysts for selective carbon–carbon bond formations.
As a student in our lab, you will gain invaluable knowledge across a broad spectrum of fields, including renewable energy sciences, chemical catalysis, synthesis, and electrochemistry. You will also learn practical skills such as organic and inorganic synthesis under normal or air-free conditions, molecular structural determination, electrochemical techniques, electrode preparation, and catalytic analysis. We welcome undergraduates who are passionate about these research directions to discuss possible research opportunities with us. We are excited to see what we can achieve together! Students are highly encouraged to discuss research opportunities for the spring semester before summer.
Student Qualifications
Students must have completed CHEM111 or CHEM102 with a satisfactory grade.
Project Length
9-10 weeks
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