Coordination Chemistry at the Molecule-Material Boundary
The Kephart Lab is an inorganic chemistry research group at Cornell University seeking to unearth molecular-level insights into the structural evolution and interfacial reactivity of solid-state materials. We harness techniques from synthetic and physical inorganic chemistry and electrochemistry to resolve the unexplored coordination chemistry of these complex chemical systems. In doing so, we aim to develop new quantum confined phases of Earth abundant materials with emergent physicochemical properties for next-generation electronic applications, novel separations methods for refinement of precious metals, and designer molecular catalysts for small molecule activation and energy conversion schemes.
Students trained in our lab will garner expertise in a range of synthetic, electrochemical, spectroscopic, and computational techniques. Moreover, our lab is committed to fostering a collaborative, respectful and inclusive environment that champions creativity, academic integrity, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
Molecular Intermediates of Mineralization
Transition metal oxides are among the most abundant materials on Earth’s surface, and play central roles in many biological and geochemical systems. However, owing to their complex, multi-stage growth profiles and rich structural diversity, the mechanisms by which these materials nucleate and evolve lack molecular definition. Drawing inspiration from recent advancements in the field of biomineralization, we are investigating the small molecule reactivity of mineral nucleation and growth to resolve intermediates formed during nucleation and phase transition. By navigating this complex reaction landscape, we will isolate new molecular phases of Earth abundant materials exhibiting physicochemical properties and reactivity distinct from those of bulk analogues.
Coordination Chemistry of Corrosion
Despite their low natural abundance, precious metals are essential to many modern electronic, biomedical and catalytic technologies. In an effort to furnish sustainable solutions to this increasing demand, our group aims to develop new electrochemical strategies to extract precious metals from base metal impurities. We are investigating how interfacial coordination be harnessed to incite direct material-to-molecule excision for selective separation and synthetic processing of precious metals.
Reactivity of Interfacial Defects
Interfacial defects are frequently invoked as active sites in heterogeneous catalysis, and yet their behavior is often obfuscated by structural complexity. Bearing undersaturated metal centers with reactive “dangling bonds”, we envision that these motifs are ideal candidates for a variety catalytic applications if reconstructed within a solution-processable molecular framework. Our group will design and synthesize molecular architectures that mimic interfacial defects of import to heterogeneous catalysis, and investigate their competence for challenging bond activation reactions.
