Research
Research in the Robinson Group will focuses on developing novel methods for controlling and characterizing ligand-metal lability to specifically enable applications in energy science, green chemistry, catalysis, bioinorganic chemistry, and materials design. There is a strong emphasis on building connections between structure and function, which is complemented with a mechanistic-driven approach that makes use of a whole suite of experimental and computational techniques. We have active projects in a range of areas, including the synthesis of sustainable polymers (stereocontrol, sequence control, MW control, & integrating responsive designs), control over multi-step, multi-electron transformations and the chemistry of reactive oxygen species, and the design and in vitro and in vivo fate of chelators relevant to radiopharmaceuticals.
These projects involve metals from across the periodic table, but we always have a soft spot in our heart for the chemistry of the rare earth metals. Rare earth metals (REM’s) are used as key components in a number of diverse technologies including renewable energy, chemical synthesis, electronics, data storage, and biomedicine. Structural control of the ligand environment is critical in enabling the applications of these materials; however, remains a significant challenge due to the high coordination numbers and lability of the ionic REM-ligand bonds.
Prospective researchers interested in more specific details regarding current projects should contact Professor Robinson. He is always excited to talk about science, and would love to discuss current and prospective project areas!
