Event

"Isotope Effects, Reclaimed Catalysts, and Air Exclusion in Organometallics

-Our lab investigates mechanisms of organometallic catalysts for generating and storing alternative liquid fuels. In this talk, organometallic systems related to methane activation and hydrogen storage are established as case studies to investigate the source of anomalously large observed isotope effects. We aim to harness unusual reactivity such as proton tunneling for improved catalyst design. In addition, we are pursuing reclamation of automotive palladium pollution for organometallic catalysis. We have also developed a quantitative method for comparing the relative efficacy of common air-free synthetic techniques.