The unique pore structure of mesoporous materials and our ability to functionalize has allowed us to tether homogeneous organometallic complexes and organic ligands on the confined pore surface to tune the catalytic and separation properties.<br/>Non-silica mesoporous materials have unique properties and can be covalently modified to support organic ligands and molecular catalysts. Some of these modified ordered mesoporous carbon nanomaterials have been functionalized with organometallic catalysts that for C-H bond activation. We have recently demonstrated an ordered mesoporous carbon tethered organometallic catalytic technology that oxidizes methane in a direct methane fuel cell system producing current at low temperatures.<br/>We have also shown these porous materials can be modified with unique ligands that bind metals of the actinides with different binding strengths. We are exploring these materials for separation of radioisotopes as new forensic materials for analysis of post-detonation nuclear device.

<i>Synthesis and modification of mesoporous nanomaterials for catalysis and forensic separations</i>

2019 Spring National Meeting

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