Kissel Research Lab
MOF-based Materials
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are structures composed of metal coordination centers connected by organic linkers in a three-dimensional lattice. Thousands of distinct MOF structures have been characterized in the last two decades, which has created a lot of interests into the research and application of these materials. MOFs have traditionally been studied because of their unique guest-host interactions for applications such as gas sorption and storage; however there is currently much interest in their application in other areas such as photochemistry, energy, catalysis, waste remediation, and drug delivery.
​
Our current research involves the utilization of MOFs to create composite materials with unique properties that are designed to achieve specific functions. We are currently investigating MOFs for use in the following applications:
​
1) Photocatalytic water electrolysis for the generation of hydrogen gas
​
2) Adsorbent materials for water filtration and remediation
​
3) Solid supports for novel biocatalysts
​
Dr. Kissel discussed our work on MOF-polymer hybrid composite materials for photocatalytic water electrolysis in an interview that was feature in Lewis University magazine. Check out the article here (pg 28-29)
Ligand Design and Coordination Chemistry
An important part of the work we do is centered around ligand design and coordination chemistry. Our group is very focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of ligands and/or their interactions with metal ions in every project that we pursue.
​
As a result of my own interests, as well as those of my students with biology backgrounds, we have begun a project that utilizes ligand design and coordination chemistry in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. Our group focuses on the Fenton chemistry interactions that occur when copper binds to the amyloid beta peptide, which has been implicated as a major source of neurodegeneration. It is our goal to not only understand the mechanistic interactions involved in this biochemical process, but also try to develop ligands that could selectively bind copper to slow hydroxyl radical production when it occurs.
Funding
Lewis University Caterpillar Scholar Award, 2017
Lewis University Lasallian Research Grant, 2018
Lewis University Doherty Grant, 2019
