Meet The Team

My primary research interest centres on the design of active and stable nitrogen-donor manganese catalysts for (de)hydrogenation (SDG #7) and CO2 valorisation catalysis (SDG #13). The ability to directly affect the nature of the products on a molecular level through rational catalyst design allows for the development of catalysts with novel properties. Developing catalysts in which alteration-by-design can be pre-programmed is still a challenging endeavour. It is in this context that we propose pyridylidene-formamidinates (PYF) and pyridylidene-pyrazoles (PyP) as ligand classes capable of alteration-by-design, tuning donor properties to support both low-valent and high-valent metal oxidation states, which are relevant to (de)hydrogenation and CO2 valorisation catalysis.

My research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of novel pyridyl-formamidine ligands and their corresponding Ruthenium and Manganese complexes for Redox catalysis (hydrogenation and oxidation reactions). This project also seeks to contribute towards climate action by indirectly reducing Carbon dioxide to produce methanol as an alternative fuel source and other value added products for industrial applications.

Epoxides are crucial components in the organic synthesis that produce a variety of products with added value, including epoxy resins, surfactants, and corrosion inhibitors. The most effective homogeneous catalysts for this transformation are those that are based on noble metals that are toxic and an expensive, including rhenium, palladium, molybdenum etc. Herein, we intend to develop novel ligands, 1-(PHAs)-substituted-4-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,3-triazole, by the click-supported reactions of the corresponding azides with the pyridine. A variety of first row transition metal complexes with these ligands on nanoparticle support will be prepared and characterized on various analytical methods. These compounds will subsequently be tested against the olefin epoxidation reaction and other potential catalytic transformations.

Recent research has focused on the immobilization of triazole copper complexes onto graphene oxide for different applications. My research focuses on the synthesis of novel 1,2,3-triazole copper (II) complexes with polyaromatic hydrocarbons as ligand substituents, as well as their immobilization on the surface of graphene oxide for redox catalysis. The use of graphene oxide as support material offers several advantages, including high surface area and excellent chemical stability. The resulting complex is expected to exhibit excellent catalytic activity for redox reaction, making it a promising candidate for use in renewable energy technologies.

The image of surfactant use has in the past been tarnished by issues such as low biodegradability and their synthesis from non-sustainable resource. Amino acid-based surfactants are a class of surfactants derived from a hydrophobe source coupled with simple amino acids and as such can be derived from renewable resources. There are several synthetic routes for the synthesis of these surfactants and this allows for extensive structural diversity in this class, resulting in widespread tuneable functionality in their physicochemical properties. This study focuses on the synthesis of novel sarcosinate based Guerbet-type surfactants via amination, amidation and esterification reactions. It will also include a catalytic route that utilises an environmentally friendly catalyst with cheaper less-defined ligands. Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt, Au and Ta catalysts have been synthesised and utilised efficiently for C-N bond formation. However, due to toxicity, scarcity and high cost, great emphasis and effort have been devoted to the development of less toxic and inexpensive catalysts. After iron and titanium, manganese is the third most abundant transition metal in Earth’s crust and is less toxic and economically amiable. Therefore, it is envisaged as a potential substitute for its higher congeners in this study. A considerable degree of interdependency exists among the surface tension, critical micelle concentration, micellar solubilisation and solubility. A physicochemical investigation will be carried out to shed some light on this interdependency.

The aim of the project is to design a Cu(I) catalyst system for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols. Application of pyrazolyl-pyridine ligands in aerobic alcohol oxidation has not been reported. The project focuses on the generation of the catalyst in situ, without the need of inert atmosphere and the use of ambient air as oxidant. Optimization of the following reaction parameters will be done, (i) reaction time, (ii) catalyst loading, (iii) reaction temperature, (iii) solvent effect, and (iv) substrate concentration. The optimized conditions are applied in the aerobic oxidation various alcohol substrates.

Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) are molecules that can store and release hydrogen through catalytic reactions. Hence, LOHCs have the potential to solve the biggest challenge concerning the introduction of hydrogen into the energy mix, i.e., storage and transportation. My research focuses on the preparation of novel pyridyl(imine) ligands and their corresponding manganese(I) complexes for catalytic (de)hydrogenation of suitable LOHC molecules. This work will employ the use of an abundant, low-cost manganese metal and aims to produce hydrogen without generating sacrificial waste. As a result, it contributes significantly to the United Nations’ SDG #7: Affordable & Clean Energy.

A postgraduate student embarking on a BSc Honours Degree in Chemistry. Current research and focus includes the preparation of pyridyl-triazole ligands bearing various PAH’s substituents and the further development of manganese-based complexes for immobilization on graphene and reduced graphene oxide supports. I bring to the table a combination of analytical skills, creative problem-solving techniques, and an aptitude for detail-oriented work. I am highly motivated to contribute to ground-breaking research