Transition Metal Catalyst Design and Application in the Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers

Cyclic polymers do not contain end groups, and as a result they demonstrate a number of unique physical properties. For example, the density, refractive index, Tg, viscoelasticity, reptation, and surface properties of cyclic polymers all differ from those of their more common linear analogs. Over the past fifty years a handful of catalysts have been discovered that can create cyclic polymers. In this seminar, four new catalysts will be presented that are capable of creating cyclic polymers.

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Ultrafast X-Ray Molecular Dynamics

Transient absorption in the extreme ultraviolet and x-ray spectral regimes is used to probe chemical dynamics on both the femtosecond and attosecond timescales. Laser-produced high-order harmonics in the soft x-ray can investigate dissociating molecules, ring opening, passage through conical intersections, singlet to triplet transitions, and electronic and vibrational coherences.

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Conversion-Type Electrodes and Ceramic Separators for Next Generation Li-Ion Batteries

Energy density and cost of Li-ion batteries (LIBs) based on conventional intercalation compounds are closely approaching their limits. The reliance of conventional cathodes on the use of toxic metals additionally endangers health and safety of miners in developing countries. Conversion-type active materials offer an opportunity to double energy stored in LIBs, reduce their cost by the same factor, and improve cell safety.

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Targeting kinases with constrained peptide scaffolds

Misregulation of kinases is implicated in a myriad of diseases and significant efforts have been put forth towards the development of targeted kinase inhibitors.  However, many issues remain with current therapeutic strategies including specificity and inhibitor resistance.  As an alternative approach for targeted inhibition, we have developed inhibitors targeting protein-protein interfaces (PPIs) that bind evolutionarily conserved structural features for a kinase of interest.  These peptide-based inhibitors are chemically constr

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