University Associate Professor
Our research is focused on the synthesis and characterisation of new materials, primarily using solvothermal synthesis. In this technique, reactions occur in solvents at temperatures above their normal boiling points by containing the reaction mixture within a pressure vessel. We have found this method to be particularly good for preparing porous materials for hydrogen storage and gas separation as well as new magnetic materials. We have an extensive range of collaborations with groups in the UK, the rest of Europe and in South Korea for performing measurements on the magnetism and porosity of our compounds.
- Magnetic materials are being prepared as part of the search for 'single molecule magnets' which represent the ultimate in magnetic data storage efficiency. We are also preparing compounds with which physicists can test theoretical models of magnetic behaviour; the same theories can be applied to other types of symmetry breaking in areas as diverse as protein folding and the early universe.
- New porous materials are much sought-after for gas storage in a future hydrogen economy. This is a very active area of research as zero-emission fuel sources are very attractive. Such materials could also be used as size- and shape-selective catalysis as well as gas separation and materials. The 'metal-organic framework' materials prepared in our lab are some of the most efficient hydrogen storage materials yet measured.
Publications
Applications of manganocene in the synthesis of Mn(II) amide and imide cages
– Dalton Transactions
(2003)
3002
(doi: 10.1039/b303727b)
A new series of layered transition metal oxalates: hydrothermal synthesis, structural and magnetic studies
– Dalton Transactions
(2003)
2478
(doi: 10.1039/b301658g)
Synthesis of Novel Solid-State Compounds in Supercritical Solvents: Preparation and Structure of K2Ag12Se7 in Supercritical Ethylenediamine
– Journal of the American Chemical Society
(2002)
114,
9233
(doi: 10.1021/ja00049a092)
The Chemistry of Iron Carbonyl Sulfide and Selenide Anions
– Inorganic Chemistry
(2002)
34,
4392
(doi: 10.1021/ic00121a018)
Synthesis of New Channeled Structures in Supercritical Amines: Preparation and Structure of RbAg5S3 and CsAg7S4
– Inorganic Chemistry
(2002)
33,
1556
(doi: 10.1021/ic00085a055)
Synthesis and Structure of an [Sb12Se20]4- Salt: The Largest Molecular Zintl Ion
– Inorganic Chemistry
(2002)
33,
1587
(doi: 10.1021/ic00086a005)
SYNTHESIS OF NEW LOW-DIMENSIONAL QUATERNARY COMPOUNDS, KCU2ASS3 AND KCU4ASS4, IN SUPERCRITICAL AMINE SOLVENT - ALKALI-METAL DERIVATIVES OF SULFOSALTS
– Inorganic Chemistry
(2002)
33,
1733
(doi: 10.1021/ic00087a002)
New Metal Carbonyl Complexes of Mixed Group 15/16 Anions: Structural Characterization of [Fe(As3Se3)2(CO)]2−, [Mn(As3Se5)(CO)3]2−, and [Fe2(AsTe4)2(CO)4]
– Inorganic Chemistry
(2002)
34,
4385
(doi: 10.1021/ic00121a017)
Inorganic Synthesis in Supercritical Amines: Synthesis of [W4S8(H2NCH2CH2NH2)4]S, Containing an Isolated Sulfide Ion
– Inorganic Chemistry
(2002)
32,
129
(doi: 10.1021/ic00054a004)
Layered metal organosulfides:: hydrothermal synthesis, structure and magnetic behaviour of the spin-canted magnet Co(1,2-(O2C)(S)C6H4)
– Chemical communications (Cambridge, England)
(2002)
10,
1050
(doi: 10.1039/b111339a)
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