Cleaning up Nuclear Waste

We are developing new methods for substituting the oxo ligands in the extremely stable uranium fragment, uranyl (UO22+). Modification of uranyl is relevant to the treatment of nuclear waste and provides insight into the interaction of bacteria with the actinides. It also represents an opportunity to uncover novel metal-oxo reactivity with potential applications in catalysis. Recently, we have found that oxo ligand silylation can be achieved with Ph3SiOTf. The silylation of the oxo ligand allows for a subsequent oxo substitution step. The two-step protocol represents a very rare example of controlled uranyl oxo ligand substitution. Building on these initial results, we are developing procedures for the catalytic silylation of uranyl at ambient pressure and temperature. Ultimately, by studying the structure and properties of these complexes we hope to develop new methods for decontamination and waste treatment.

Publications

Researchers

Trevor W. Hayton

Our research involves the synthesis and characterization of new inorganic and organometallic complexes and materials. One goal of this work is to improve our understanding of the structure and bonding in transition metal, lanthanide, and actinide systems, as well as nanoclusters. We are also trying to discover new organic transformations mediated by metal centers.

Gigi Godinho

Gigi's research is focused on the synthesis of complexes with actinide-carbon multiple bonds.

Ivan Arvizo

Ivan is working on the synthesis and characterization of complexes containing uranium-carbon double bonds.

Mikiyas’ research is focused on synthesis and characterization of new lanthanide coordination complexes.

Mikiyas Assefa

Mikiyas’ research is focused on synthesis and characterization of new lanthanide and actinide coordination complexes.

Riley Ill

Riley is working on the synthesis and characterization of new uranyl complexes containing macrocyclic ligands.

Gregg Kent

Gregg is currently working on the trans/cis isomerization of the uranyl ion, as well as the synthesis of novel actinide complexes for the understanding of 5f orbital covalency.

Neusha Kharrati

Neusha is exploring the viability of polydentate macrocyclic ligands for the stabilization of tetravalent lanthanide ions in organic media.

Ed Paul

Ed’s research focuses on the synthesis of new uranium heteroatom multiple bonds, specifically involving phosphorus

Ellie Pedrick

Ellie is currently studying the functionalization and reduction of the trans-uranyl moiety, (UO2)2+, which is the major form of the uranium found in spent nuclear fuel. She is also attempting to synthesize a cis-uranyl complex, in an effort to better understand the nature of the U-O bonds in this moiety.

Bonny Sanchez

Bonny is working on the synthesis of cis-uranyl complexes under the guidance of Gregg Kent.

Selena Staun

Selena's research involves the synthesis of thorium polyhydride complexes to investigate actinide-ligand bonding and 5f orbital interactions.

Jonathan Vu

Jonathan is exploring the ligation of macrocyclic ligands to the uranyl ion, in an effort to effect a trans/cis isomerization.

Megan Wakefield

Megan is working on the synthesis and characterization of new uranyl complexes containing macrocyclic ligands.