Blakemore Lab

The Blakemore Group, Summer 2017

Summer research student Julie Hopkins (B.S., 2017) demonstrates use of a Schlenk line for preparation of an air-sensitive compound normally inaccessible under ambient conditions.

Postdoc Davide Lionetti (Ph.D., Caltech, 2016) demonstrates use of an inert-atmosphere glovebox for manipulation of reactive metal complexes that can serve as catalysts for energy-storing reactions.

The End of Innocence. Blakemore group collaborative research on a surprising intermediate formed during hydrogen evolution featured in Chemical and Engineering News. Article link.

Building up orbitals. Our group uses theoretical and spectroscopic methods to understand the bonding and reactivity of metal complexes. The application of ligand field theory for the compound ferrocene is shown here, from a lecture in CHEM 730 during Autumn 2016.

Sustainocene in the South Pacific. James presented two invited plenary talks in September 2016 at "Advancing Energy Sustainability by Governance Leadership in Artificial Photosynthesis" in Australia. Abstract Book. Conference Website.

Welcome to the home page of the Blakemore Group! We are a research group in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Kansas.

Our aim is to improve the sustainable production of chemicals, fuels, and energy using the tools of inorganic and organometallic chemistry, molecular electrochemistry, and surface chemistry. Our active projects are diverse in scope and span a number of topics:

Molecular catalysis and metal-ligand cooperation. We are investigating the reactivity and catalytic properties of half-sandwich metal complexes, and are specifically focused on understanding the interconversion of [Cp*] and [Cp*H] ligands as a route to development of new catalysts.

Coordination chemistry of multimetallic complexes. We are synthesizing and characterizing heterobimetallic complexes, in order to understand their properties and rationally design improved complexes for new applications. Our specific focus is on understanding how two closely spaced metals impact each others' properties.

Structure-function studies of chemically modified electrodes. We are studying the immobilization of metal complexes on electrodes in order to understand the role of molecular structure in their behavior and stability. Our goal is to rationally design systems for applications in areas like separations science.

New media for carbon dioxide conversion. In collaboration with Profs. Kevin Leonard and Bala Subramaniam at the KU Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis, we are developing new media for carbon dioxide conversion to more useful chemicals.

Photoinduced reactivity. In collaboration with Prof. Chris Elles, our group is designing new metal complexes for studies of light-induced reactivity, in order to build up a platform of compounds for use in photodynamic therapy.

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We need the kind of courage that can withstand the subtle corruption of the cynics, so that
we can show the world that we are not afraid of the future.
It has always been easy to hate and destroy, but to build and to cherish is [the real challenge].
–Elizabeth R.

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