Research Interests
Photochemistry, Metal Organic Frameworks, Catalysis
Research Statement
The photosynthetic system _ a complex assembly of light harvesting arrays, electron transfer relays, and catalytic centers _ has inspired work in solar energy harvesting and storage. Fundamental research has led to advances in catalysis and light harvesting mimics. However, assemblies that integrate efficient light harvesting, electron transport, and catalysis remain elusive. To address this challenge, research in my laboratory focuses, in part, on the development of metal organic framework (MOF) thin film arrays as integrated artificial photosynthetic molecular solids. We have successfully synthesized, and are in the process of investigating, MOFs that display each component of photosynthetic activity: water oxidation catalysis, solar harvesting, energy transfer, electron transport, and carbon dioxide reduction.
