Our research interests in catalysis involve: (a) the invention and development of new chiral ligands used to support homogeneous catalysis, (b) the invention of new sets of C-C, C-N or C-O bond forming reactions using catalysis, (c) the use of catalytic reactions to build novel molecules of interest to researchers within the field of natural products or the biomedical, pharmaceutical or agrochemical communities and (d) the use of homogeneous catalysis for the breakdown of lignocellulosic biomass . Potential collaborators include individuals or groups interested in any of the above topics or with a specific interest in or need for the synthesis of a target or group of organic molecules.
Our catalytic research is concerned with two main areas: (i) activation of small molecules, in particular molecular nitrogen, to generate amines and other nitrogen-containing products; (ii) new catalysts for hydrogenation of esters to alcohols. Potential collaborations include agrochemical and pharmaceutical companies.
Our interests in catalysis include the synthesis of molecular or polymeric phosphorus ligands for transition metal catalysis and the development of recoverable and recyclable catalysts for organic synthesis. Potential collaborators range from pharmaceutical companies interested in green approaches to the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients using catalysis to companies interested in catalysts for the production of polymers.
John R. Grace
Professor and Canada Research Chair in Clean Energy Processes
Dr. Grace’s primary research interests are concerned with fluidized bed reactors and related multi-phase systems. Fluidized beds are used for a wide variety of chemical and physical purposes, for example in catalytic, gas-solid and three-phase reactors, drying, coating and thermal treatment.
Our catalytic interests are mostly related to modelling of heterogeneous catalytic reactions in gas-fluidized and fixed bed reactors, including such reactions as steam reforming of hydrocarbons, coupled hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions, and catalytic oxidation. Potential collaborators include those with activities related to a wide range of energy and hydrocarbon applications.
Recent and on-going interests include: (a) hydrophosphination reactions, and development of water-soluble phosphines as pulp-bleaching agents; (b) conversion of lignins to valuable aromatics using Ru-oxidation or -hydrogenolysis catalysts; (c) asymmetric hydrogenation of imines to chiral amines using Rh and Ir catalysts; (d) reactions of Pd complexes with H2S; (e) development of Ru complexes as anti-cancer agents; and (f) catalysis using Rh and Ir carbenes. All the projects except (f) have involved collaboration with industrial companies, FPInnovations, or the BC Cancer Agency.
Spectroscopy of Intermediates in Biological and Homogeneous Catalysis: Investigations of sulfur-based redox processes and their role in enzymatic catalysis, oxidative stress, and redox signaling. Exploration of transition metal species involved in catalysis (dioxygen binding and oxidation, olefin metathesis, etc.).
The Kennepohl Group uses a combination of spectroscopic and computational methods to probe the electronic structure of catalytically important species. This information is used to provide fundamental new insights into the factors that control reactivity.
Our catalytic research interests are centred on the transition-metal-mediated activation and functionalization of otherwise inert chemical bonds such as C-H, N-H, and C-C linkages in an atom-economical manner. This chemistry holds the potential to increase considerably the number of synthetic pathways to a broad range of industrially important products beginning with relatively simple starting materials. Potential collaborators range from companies involved in the research and development of hydrocarbons or petrochemicals to firms principally focused on the synthesis of fine chemicals.
Our catalytic research interest include the study of the reactivity of late transition metal-heteroatom bonds. We use this knowledge to develop new strategies to convert commonly available chemical feedstocks into value-added products. Emphasis on developing highly efficient, low toxicity and low waste methods. Our research spans the traditional boundaries of organic and inorganic chemistry. Potential collaborators include the development of new catalysts, synthesis of chemical building blocks and synthesis of bioactive targets.
Our research interests include the development of new porous materials, especially materials that may be relevant to heterogenous catalysis. Our recent work has included the creation of new highly porous metal nitrides and chiral mesoporous silicates. We are interested in creating new solid-state materials for industrially-relevant catalysis.
Scott McIndoe Associate Professor, Affiliate Member – University of Victoria
Inorganic/Organometallic: Kinetics and mechanism of homogeneous organometallic catalytic reactions.
Areas of Interest:
We develop real-time mass spectrometric techniques to enable rapid catalyst discovery, mechanism elucidation and reaction optimization. We’re particularly interested in coupling together multiple orthogonal real-time methods of analysis, and are applying these across a wide range of problems in catalysis, including cross-coupling, small molecule activation, polymerization and more.
We are interested in the development of catalysts for the highly controlled formation of biodegradable polyesters and copolymers. Potential collaborators include pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries interested in hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and amphiphilic biodegradable polymer as well as more downstream industries such as automotive and materials producers interested in controlled micro/macrostructure bulk biodegradable plastics with defined properties.
Lisa Rosenberg Associate Professor, Affiliate Member – University of Victoria
Inorganic/Organometallic: Design and synthesis of homogeneous catalysts for silicon and phosphorus chemistry, mechanistic aspects of catalytic E-H activation, structure/property relationships in inorganic polymers
Areas of Interest:
We aim to bring selectivity to main group synthesis through homogeneous catalysis. While organic chemistry is replete with synthetic schemes that rely on catalysis for the efficient construction of structurally complex molecules, this art remains under-exploited in inorganic chemistry. Our research on catalytic P-H and Si-H activation uses in-depth investigation of simple systems to gain the mechanistic understanding required to broaden the scope and utility of these processes in producing valuable molecules and materials. Targets include enantiopure phosphines for asymmetric catalysis, oxidatively robust polysilanes for optical and electronics applications, and precursors to valuable silicone-containing materials, to be produced in tandem with defunctionalization of biomass-derived feedstock chemicals.
The Sammis group aims to develop innovative synthetic technology for the synthesis of compounds with current biomedical interest. Investigations focus on developing novel bond-construction techniques for which there is currently no viable alternative. The methodology developed in this research program, therefore, has the potential to unlock access to previously unavailable architecturally unique compounds in sufficient quantities for medicinal testing. The Sammis group has particular expertise in the development of radical-based methodologies and is currently focusing on the development of novel asymmetric transformations utilizing catalytic amounts of chiral atom transfer agents.
Our catalytic research interests include the catalytic synthesis of amines and biodegradable polymers using inexpensive early transition metals of low toxicity. Potential collaborations include research and development of biologically active small molecules for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries as well as novel biodegradable polymers for plastics and materials applications.
UBC Chemical and Biological Engineering (CHBE)
Primary interests are in C1-catalysis, hydrogen and upgrading Canadian oilsands and bio-oils. Our research aims to develop relationships between catalyst properties, reaction kinetics and mechanisms, to assist in the design of improved catalysts and in the development of new catalytic processes. Our research has focused on (i) Hydroconversion – residue oil primary upgrading and hydrotreating; (ii) C1 catalysis – methane and syngas conversion especially to alcohols and (iii) Hydrogen – production and storage. Potential collaborators include small and large scale energy companies interested in improving existing catalytic processes or developing new catalysts for specific energy applications.
Our catalytic research interests include studies on the mechanisms by which enzymes catalyze biological reactions and on the design of enzyme inhibitors. Ongoing studies involve enzymes that modify peptide, carbohydrate, and alkaloid-based substrates. Potential collaborators include life science researchers, the pharmaceutical industry, and researchers involved in using enzymes as catalysts for the production of fine chemicals.
Our catalytic research interests include computational modeling of catalytic reactions and theoretical understanding of reaction mechanisms, with special emphasis on novel catalytic systems at nanoscale. Potential collaborations include research and development of better catalysts based on microscopic understanding of existing catalytic systems.
David Wilkinson Professor and Canada Research Chair
UBC Chemical and Biological Engineering (CHBE)
The overall scope of the program is the research and development of electrochemical power sources, advanced electrolysis, and processes to create clean and sustainable energy particularly related to electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering. Dr. Wilkinson has research interests in the areas of electrode kinetics, electro-catalysis, electro-synthesis, electrochemical cell design and architecture, new materials and associated processes, new analytical and diagnostic techniques, sensor technology, fuel cell and battery systems, electrochemical treatment of impurities, alternative electrochemical fuels and reactant modification, hydrogen production and storage. Recently his research has expanded to include some aspects of solar research particularly those coupled with electrochemistry and the purification of water.
Our catalytic research interests include the development, design and characterization of electrochemical and photochemical catalysts for energy related applications and their incorporation into electrodes and reactors. Potential collaborations include research and development of catalysts, materials and device design for the fuel cell and advanced battery industries as well as for water treatment and processes to create clean and sustainable energy.
Joint appointment with: BiochemistryBioorganic: Enzyme mechanisms; glycosyl transfer mechanisms; carbohydrate chemistry; fluorinated sugars; hydrogen bonding and specificity; applications of 31P and 19F-NMR to enzymology; biological electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry; amylases and cellulases; mutagenesis; directed evolution; glycosyl transferases; polysaccharide lyases
Our research interests centre around enzymes as catalysts, both in understanding how they work and in engineering them to enhance their functions. Of particular interest to us are enzymes that synthesise and degrade sugar-containing polymers. We are actively working in the area of biofuels as well as development of processes for synthesis of oligosaccharides and glycolipids, and have potential to expand our collaborations in these areas.
Our catalytic research interests include the preparation of nanomaterials including metal nanoparticles, oxide nanocrystals and conducting polymer/nanomaterial composites for application in water splitting, hydrocarbon oxidation and solar energy harvesting. Potential collaborators include partners interested in energy related catalysis, solar energy harvesting, and electrocatalysis.
