Metal-Surface Stereoelectronic Communication in Surface Organometallic Catalysis

Friday February 4th, 2022 transmitted in Hand 1144
Zoom link:
https://msstateextension.zoom.us/j/97764437026?pwd=anFCM0IxVmFFdUhmRFFvSi82S01kUT09
Meeting ID: 977 6443 7026              Passcode: 824976

Abstract: Chemisorption of organometallic complexes on inorganic supports is a powerful strategy for developing heterogeneous, single-site, homogeneous-in-function catalysts. Typical support materials, most commonly silica (SiO₂) and alumina (Al₂O₃), play a crucial role in stabilizing reaction intermediates and site-isolating reactive species throughout the catalytic cycle but the inert nature of these catalyst supports precludes direct modulation or augmentation of catalytic processes by manipulation of the support akin to electronic ligand design and “redox non-innocence” in homogeneous catalysis. In this talk our groups efforts toward the application of Li-ion battery cathode and anode materials as redox non-innocent and tunable catalyst supports will be discussed. In a proof of principle for this approach, a nickel modified lithium manganese oxide (Li_xMn₂O₄) material synthesized by an “oxidative grafting” process is shown to monotonically increase in catalytic activity as a function of reductive lithium intercalation. Further work focuses on exploration of the generality of this concept for catalyst control and ability to access unique catalyst materials through the oxidative grafting technique. 

Bio: Dr. Kaphan obtained his BS from the University of Rochester (2012) and his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley (2016). He is a chemist in the Catalysis Group in the Chemical Sciences and Engineering Division at Argonne National Laboratory. David’s research concerns fundamental studies in supported organometallic catalysis, capture and conversion of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and chemical upcycling of polymer waste. His primary area of research in supported organometallic catalysis focuses on understanding stereoelectronic communication between organometallic complexes and inorganic support materials can be leveraged to modulate reactivity and the development of non-traditional functional materials as catalyst support frameworks.

Hosted by Dr. Vicky Montiel-Palma