Research Areas

Our Research Areas

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• Low-valent main group element compounds and catalysis

Main group elements are abundant in the Earth's crust and generally less toxic than the transition metals commonly used in major industrial catalytic processes. Over the past two decades, main group chemistry has undergone significant development, with emerging reports demonstrating their ability to engage in redox cycles traditionally associated with transition metals. This progress is largely attributed to the use of sophisticated ligand systems that finely tune the electronic properties of these elements. In this context, our primary objective is to design and develop novel, stable low-oxidation state main group compounds supported by tailor-made ligands with optimized frontier orbital energies. These species will be explored for small molecule activation via oxidative addition, followed by the transfer of the activated species to a third molecule through reductive elimination—thus enabling two-electron redox catalytic cycles. A key focus of our work is the activation and transformation of CO2 into value-added C1 feedstocks, addressing the urgent challenge of rising atmospheric CO2 levels. 

In addition, we will explore the reactivity of these low-valent main-group compounds toward the activation of other small molecules such as H₂, N₂, P₄, CO, NH₃, N₂O etc. By leveraging the unique electronic properties of main-group species, our goal is to develop novel and efficient catalytic pathways for the sustainable functionalization of these substrates.

• Main-Group Radicals and Reactivity Studies

Main-group element-based radicals are typically unstable and short-lived, presenting a significant challenge for their through characterization and application. In this research, we aim to stabilize and isolate rare examples of both neutral and ionic main-group radicals. Through comprehensive structural, electronic and spectroscopic characterization, we will investigate their unique physical and chemical properties. Understanding these species may unlock new directions in main-group chemistry, enabling the design of materials with novel electronic, magnetic, and catalytic functionalities. These stabilized radicals hold great promise for advancing molecular materials and could play a critical role in developing next-generation technologies in catalysis, electronics, and magnetism.

• Non-VSEPR Main-Group Chemistry and Catalysis

Beyond traditional main-group chemistry, our group is also interested in the design and development of non-VSEPR main-group compounds featuring unusual oxidation states. These species challenge conventional bonding models and offer unique electronic and steric properties that can be leveraged for catalytic applications. Through ligand engineering and electronic tuning, we seek to stabilize these unconventional species and explore their potential in small-molecule activation and other catalytic transformations.

• Main-Group Materials for Water Splitting

Another major research direction in our group involves the exploration of main-group element-based materials for catalytic water splitting reactions. Water splitting is a crucial process in the development of renewable hydrogen fuel technologies. While transition-metal-based catalysts have dominated this field, main-group materials present a sustainable and cost-effective alternative. By designing and synthesizing novel main-group materials with optimized electronic structures and catalytic properties, we aim to contribute to the advancement of efficient and scalable hydrogen production.