Research
We explore new isolatable low-valent group 4 and rare-earth complexes and investigate their unusual electronic structures important for quantum information science (QIS). Developing a new class of stable low-valent molecular qubits ions could open pathways to a new class of metal-based molecular systems with useful electronic properties.
Low-Valent Molecular Qubits
Non-covalent interactions (NCIs) are pervasive in various chemical fields and are especially important in assessing structure-function relationships. We are interested in employing NCIs in bimetallic systems to better understand fundamental lanthanide and actinide electronic structure including mixed-valent f element systems and metal-metal bonding.
Noncovalent Interactions
Current Funding:
DE-SC0026370
Despite cerium’s classification as a rare-earth metal, cerium is as abundant as cobalt, nickel, and copper and the U.S. Department of Energy designates it as a low supply-risk material. Cerium oxide (CeO2) is a critical material widely used for industrial applications including steam and dry reforming, the water-gas shift reaction (WGSR), and in automotive three-way catalysts (TWC). We are interested in utilizing Ce photocatalysis to affect organic transformations including hydroalkylation using affordable and accessible substrates.
Cerium Mediated Photocatalysis
Concluded Funding:
