Connor Bourne

• Mchem (Hons) Chemistry
• Towards earth abundant replacements for precious metal catalysts

A key challenge in current chemistry is the replacement of the rather scarce and expensive precious metals which are used as catalysts in many commercially important reactions. Recent reports indicate that some main group elements are potential candidates for replacing precious metals with cheaper, earth abundant materials.  This project aims to develop a fundamentally new class of novel molecules which have the potential, in the longer term, to act as main group element catalysts.  This will represent a significant advance in the field of main group chemistry, with the potential to substantially alter current practice.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Dr Keith Izod