My group pursues new strategies to address outstanding problems in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. We are interested in two general challenges: the control of the selectivity of C-C and C-X bond-forming reactions for organic synthesis and the development of efficient electrocatalysts for energy conversion processes. Our research environment is highly interdisciplinary.

Current strategies employed to control selectivity in organic synthesis rely principally on molecular recognition elements. In one major effort, we are developing catalysts and catalyst-surface interfaces that exploit non-bonding electrostatic interactions to control selectivity. We are particularly interested in using externally-applied electric fields to modulate the activation barriers of competing reactive pathways. Additionally, we are developing catalysts whose conformations depend on intramolecular electrostatic interactions that can be adjusted by ion-pairing and solvent effects. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to link selectivity to readily adjustable external parameters.

Storing energy from renewable sources in the form of chemical fuels and subsequently extracting electrical energy on demand requires efficient electrocatalysts to mediate multi-electron oxidations and reductions. In a second major effort, we are developing chemistry to modify surfaces of heterogeneous electroreduction catalysts. Our goal is to introduce simple molecular functionalities that assist cooperatively in the electroreduction chemistry. We are pursuing this strategy to improve the kinetics of dioxgyen reduction to water for fuel cell catalysis and carbon dioxide reduction to hydrocarbons for artificial photosynthesis.

1. "Cobalt-Phosphate Oxygen Evolving Compound," M.W. Kanan, Y. Surendranath, D.G. Nocera, Chem. Soc. Rev. 38, 109-114 (2009).

2. "In Situ Formation of an Oxygen-Evolving Catalyst in Neutral Water Containing Phosphate and Co2+," M.W. Kanan, D.G. Nocera, Science, 321, 1072-1075 (2008).

3. "Development and Initial Application of a Hybridization-Independent, DNA-Encoded Reaction Discovery System Compatible with Organic Solvents," M.M. Rozenman, M.W. Kanan, D.R. Liu, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 129, 14933-14938 (2007).

4. "Reaction Discovery Enabled by DNA-Templated Synthesis and In Vitro Selection," M.W. Kanan, M.M. Rozenman, K. Sakurai, T.M. Snyder, D.R. Liu, Nature, 431, 545-549 (2004).