Elizabeth A. Mader

Elizabeth Mader loading six-sample transmission cell at Argonne's Advanced Photon Source as Chris Marshall observes.  Photo by George Joch.

• PhD, Inorganic Chemistry, University of Washington (2007)
• Hon. BSc, Chemistry, University of Ottawa, Canada (2002)

Research Synopsis

Site isolation of organometallic moieties by covalent anchoring to a metal oxide support is a powerful strategy for the formation of solid-state "molecular" catalysts. However, the connections between the structure/activity relationships seen in solution and those of the supported catalysts are not well understood. We are studying the direct oxidation of alkanes to alcohols using supported platinum(II) complexes. We will graft Pt(allyl)2 and its derivatives on solid supports as synthetic starting point for a series of supported platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes. Modification of the supported species with mono- and bidentate nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus based ligands will systematically control the coordination sphere and the electronic properties of the active site in order to mimic the well characterized Shilov system, an aqueous PtII/IV couple that catalytically oxidizes alkanes to their corresponding alcohols and alkyl chlorides. This study will identify the key parameters required to maintain the unique selectivity patterns seen in solution, while enhancing catalyst stability and longevity by supporting them on solid oxides.

phone: 630-252-3014, fax: 630-252-9917, e-mail: mader@anl.gov