Abstract: Traditional methods to perform cyclopropane synthesis typically utilize carbenoid intermediates or other nucleophiles reacting with olefins to form two C–C bonds in a single reaction. In order to expand the chemical space of these syntheses, it is necessary to find orthogonal techniques that offer new ways to access similar products and stereochemical outcomes as these methods. One way to accomplish this is by using alcohols, one of the most prevalent functional groups in chemistry, as a starting material.

Abstract: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas that is isoelectronic to CO2. Few transition metal electrocatalysts for N2O reduction have been described. In this defense, I will present my work to develop a nitrous oxide reduction electrocatalyst from a platinum CO2 reduction. Catalytic reduction of N2O was confirmed through electrolysis. Key intermediates and the rate-determining step were identified.

Abstract: The development of carbon dioxide capture and concentration technologies is vital to mitigate anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. Nearly all of the illustrative mitigation pathways to decarbonization depend upon CO2 capture. Current state-of-the-art technologies for carbon capture are predominantly thermal based. However, the practical applications of this technology have been limited by low overall energetic inefficiency due to Carnot limitations and thermal sorbent degradation.