Shusterman (temporary) Research Page

I have not had time to update this page as I would like, but here is a quick description of my recent research activities.

Starting in 2004, I have been working on the development of green oxidation catalysts in collaboration with Dr. Terry Collins and his associates at the Institute for Green Science, Chemistry Department, Carnegie Mellon University.

Oxidation plays a huge role in nature and in technology, including such things as biological respiration (oxidation of fuel molecules in our bodies), rust (oxidation of iron metal), laundry bleaching (oxidation of grease and dirt in your laundry), and even water purification (oxidative decomposition of biohazards). The goal of green oxidation chemistry is to replace current oxidation technologies, which often use toxic materials derived from chlorine, with environmentally safe and sustainable alternatives. Dr. Collins and his team have made considerable progress along these lines by developing an iron-based catalyst (FeTAML) that activates hydrogen peroxide as a selective oxidizing agent.

The role that my students and I have played in this effort include:

We are still in the early stages of this research. As we develop our skills at synthesizing new TAMLs, we hope to incorporate these ligands into catalysts and begin studying their properties as oxidation catalysts. And, as we develop a better understanding of FeTAML structure-property relationships, we hope to design more effective catalysts.

 

Some FeTAML highlights

 

Student participants in Reed's green oxidation research program

(last updated 7/1/08)

Problems? Contact Alan Shusterman alan@reed.edu