Andy Holland, Ph.D.

Summary: I study the reactions of molecules that combine transition metal atoms with carbon-based groups, with particular interest in the way that the interactions between them guide the design of compounds that might be useful for catalysis or the preparation of electronic materials.

Minimum Courses: Organic Chemistry and Lab Preferred, but not strictly required

Projects: Students will prepare molecular precursors for nanomaterials using a mixture or organic and inorganic synthetic techniques. Current projects involve cerium complexes used for fundamental mechanistic studies in nanocrystal formation, and first row metals used in earth-abundant alternatives to current semiconductor technology. In both cases we are interested in making these complexes and seeing how they react. These projects sometimes require air-sensitive equipment such as an inert atmosphere glovebox. Students will also monitor related reactions and characterize products using NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and other spectroscopic techniques.