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There is a wealth of potential in inorganic synthesis for the development of advanced materials that can perform sophisticated functions and drive complex processes. Researchers have long developed a body of knowledge to map these chemical reactions and predict their results. Especially in the relatively new sub-discipline of nanocluster synthesis, a little less guessing could go a long way.
"Greater predictability would allow targeted synthesis of materials with appropriate properties," said Trevor Hayton, a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Santa Barbara, a specialist in nanocluster chemistry. metallic elements that have desirable optical and chemical properties, and actinide chemistry. Among the best known of these rare and often unstable radioactive elements are uranium and plutonium.
For now, the targeted synthesis of nanoclusters "is almost impossible to achieve," according to Hayton. However, he and his group have made great strides towards a better understanding of nanocluster synthesis, with efforts that will stimulate the future development of high-tech materials.
"Regarding nanochemistry, we have begun to elucidate the" rules "of self-badembly of nanocluster synthesis," Hayton said. "Knowledge of these rules will allow the development of nanoclusters for a variety of catalytic and optoelectronic applications."
The Hayton Group has also been a pioneer in the use of nuclear magnetic resonance – well known as the technology behind medical magnetic resonance imaging badysis – to measure orbital interactions of uranium. "The collection of these fundamental data will support the development of new methods for cleaning nuclear fuel," he said.
For these and other achievements, Hayton has been awarded the prestigious Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Prize from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
"I am delighted to learn that Professor Trevor Hayton has been elected a recipient of the Humboldt Foundation 's Bessel Award for his early career research, including transition metal complexes and systems. actinides, "said the Chancellor of the University of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, Henry T. Yang. "This prestigious award will give him a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading German scientists and enable him to advance his groundbreaking research.And on behalf of our campus, I warmly congratulate Professor Hayton and warmly thank the Humboldt Foundation for its work. international scientific cooperation and for this recognition of the essential research being conducted at UC Santa Barbara. "
"I am delighted," said Hayton, who was nominated for the award by Gerhard Erker of the Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster in Germany. Erker's research focuses on organometallic and organic chemistry. "It's an incredible honor to be chosen," added Hayton.
Recognized for their outstanding research, the Bessel Award winners are invited to collaborate for up to one year on a long-term research project with fellow specialists from a German research institution. Hayton will receive $ 45,000 (about $ 51,000) for travel and research.
"I hope to develop new compounds from the group that catalyze the reduction of nitrous oxide, an important greenhouse gas," Hayton said of his research projects, which will benefit from the Bessel Award. "Generally, the reduction of nitrous oxide requires a catalyst based on precious metal." By using an inexpensive and much more abundant main group element to catalyze this reaction, Hayton explained, "we can potentially reduce costs and reduce the amount of nitrous oxide released into the environment."
Entering the UC Santa Barbara faculty in 2006, Hayton earned her Ph.D. in chemistry in 2003 from the University of British Columbia. He has received several awards, including a Sloan Scholarship in 2010.
The Humboldt Foundation, based in Germany, awards approximately 20 Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Fellowships annually to internationally renowned scientists and academics in their field who have completed their Ph.D. less than 18 years ago and are expected to continue producing cutting-edge achievements that influence their discipline beyond their immediate area of activity.
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