We are a synthetic inorganic, organometallic and organic group interested in the development of new small molecules and ligands.

– Circularly polarized luminescence of coordination complexes:

We are interested synthesizing molecules capable of emitting circularly polarized luminescence (the preferential emission of one circular polarization (left or right) over the other one, i.e. chiral light).

CPL has been considered as the a next-generation light source since the added chiroptical information and polarization presents unique opportunities to develop enhanced optical displays, bio-imaging, security features, and quantum networks.

Structure/CPL relationship studies in the visible region:

Applications of CPL can only be unlocked if strong metrics are obtained. We investigate the relationship between structural features and CPL by synthesizing well-defined molecular complexes and examining their properties.

Expanding CPL to the near-infrared region:

CPL in the near-infrared is attractive for the development of new biological sensors, or the development of quantum computing and networks. We are exploring how to synthetically achieve high CPL beyond 1200 nm.

CPL from non-lanthanides:

Whilst lanthanides are best suited for CPL generation, we wish to diversify access to other CPL emitters.

– Low-valent lanthanide complexes:

We are interested in the synthesis of low-valent lanthanide complexes for small molecule activation.

– Luminescent properties of lanthanide coordination complexes:

We are interested in the luminescence of lanthanide coordination complexes, especially those emitting in the near-infrared.

– N-Heterocyclic Carbene polymers as ligands for nanoparticles:

In collaboration with the He group (UConn) and Sun group (Brown University), we are developing polymer-NHC ligands for the stabilization of nanoparticles. We examine the effects of the ligands to modify the ability of the nanoparticles to perform CO₂ reduction.

We are grateful for support of our research from:

Current:

National Institute of Health, 1R21GM143644-01A1, 2022/08/01-2025/07/31.

National Science Foundation, CHE-2041084, 2021/09/01-2026/08/31.

National Science Foundation, CHE-2102245, 2021/06/01-2025/05/31.

Completed:

University of Connecticut, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Equipment Initiative. 2021.

University of Connecticut, Research Excellence Program: 2020/07/01-2021/06/30.

American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund: 57668-DNI3; 2017/09/01-2019/08/31.