Research Highlights
New nickel complexes have helical shape
Together with Prof. Uttam Pokharel (Nicholls State University), we prepared six new nickel complexes with organic ligands, which fold and twist into helical shapes. The center of these complexes, between the two nickel atoms, is like a nano-scale “box”, but it’s empty. However, we are now designing complexes that will have room for other molecules to fit in the box. Then, we may be able to use them to transport molecules or ions from one place to another.
Relaxation Behavior of Bottlebrush Polymers
The segmental relaxation times of different bottlebrush polymer have been investigated
by dielectric spectroscopy and compared to their linear counterparts. Depending on
the side chain length, a slowed down process can be observed which levels out for
bottlebrush polymers having sufficiently long side chains. [Funded by the U.S. Department
of Energy (DoE) under grant DE-SC0019050]
Synthesis of well-defined polypeptoid mimics of poly(glutamic acid)
N-(3-tert-butoxy-3-oxopropyl) glycine derived N-carboxyanhydride was successfully synthesized and polymerized by ring-opening polymerization using primary amine initiators. The polymerization was found to proceed in a controlled manner over a wide range of molecular weights while maintaining a narrow molecular weight distribution. Mild acidic conditions readily unveil the carboxyl functionality to yield the pH-responsive, structural mimic of the biologically relevant peptide, poly(glutamic acid).
News and Events
C&EN 2021 Trailblazer
LSU Boyd Professor Isiah Warner is recognized as one of the 2021 Trailblazers in the latest issue of Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN). The C&EN Trailblazers program celebrates the diversity that drives chemistry and chemical engineering forward. This year’s Trailblazer issue highlights Black excellence in chemistry.
Excellence in Education
Professor Isiah Warner is the recipient of the 2021 ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry J. Calvin Giddings Award for Excellence in Education.
2020-2022 Coates Research Scholar Award
Graduate student Bailee Barrett received the 2020-2022 Coates Research Scholar Award for her research project titled: “Investigation of charge patterning effects on the self-assembly of sequence-defined amphiphilic ionic block copolypeptoids in dilute aqueous solution.”
Bailee is a third-year graduate student in the Zhang Research Group. The Coates Research Scholar Award supports promising doctoral research by superior graduate students in chemistry.
Graduate Studies Program
Looking to advance your career in Chemistry with graduate school? Let us help you reach your future goals! Apply to the LSU Chemistry PhD Program.
Questions? Email gradchem@lsu.edu
Featured Video
LSU Chemistry has its very own talented scientific glassblower, Adrien Connangle. The glass shop is available Monday to Friday for anyone needing repairs and/or fabrications of prototypes.