Photoswitchable Complexes
The goal of this research is to design transition metal complexes with photo-chromic appendages that are capable of reversible photo-isomerization. The ability to photo-induce control over the electric field, steric environment and hydrogen bonding networks of transition metal species will imbue a new level of control over select chemical transformations. This work will have impact in the fields of chemicals fuel technologies and pharmaceuticals with the efficient and selective control over value-added chemicals from abundant chemical feedstocks in addition to fundamental insights into the ability to control function at the molecular level through external stimuli for smart devices and materials.