Research
Organometallic synthesis at Saint Mary's College of California
Students that join our team gain hands on experiences in chemical research and obtain practical lab techniques that are highly valued in chemistry graduate programs, the pharmaceutical industry, the petrochemical sector, and many other industries in the STEM field. Our team members are trained in the synthesis of metal coordination complexes and organic ligands using air-free techniques. Students also learn to design experiments and analyze spectroscopic data.
carbon dioxide recycling
We are currently investigating metal coordination complexes that can reduce carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an important commodity chemical that is widely used in chemical synthesis. We are particularly excited about its potential to enable the recycling of carbon-containing resources through carbon dioxide sequestration and reduction. The carbon monoxide produced from this process can allow for the production of sustainable consumer products and fuel.
designing metal catalysts
Carbon dioxide reactions have high kinetic barriers and slow rates. To overcome this challenge, we are designing and synthesizing metal coordination complexes that can act as catalysts in carbon dioxide reactions to lower the kinetic barrier.
Bio-inspired strategies
We are inspired by the natural enzyme carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH), which features reactive metal centers (Ni nickel and Fe iron) that reduces carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide. Our research focuses on synthesizing metal coordination complexes and designing catalytic reactions that mimic the reactivity of CODH.
Clean energy research at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy
Dr. Chu is a researcher at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy where she works with experts in policy, urban design, and engineering to devise policy proposals that address challenges in clean energy. Her team has tackled topics in decarbonizing the natural gas grid of Philadelphia, challenges of seasonal storage, the future of petrochemicals and more. They recently spoke with Andy Stone on the Energy Policy Now podcast about their work on rare earth elements (click here to listen).