Simplifying Synthesis at the Interface of Organic and Materials Chemistry

One major focus of research in the Milner group is the design of materials to not only enable new synthetic transformations, but also to change the ways in which reactions are carried out. To achieve these goals, they are interested in unlocking the untapped potential of porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks as tools for organic synthesis. They also employ electrochemistry to effect controlled redox processes that cannot be achieved in any other manner while emphasizing on understanding and controlling how chemistry at the electrode surface dictates the outcome of reactions. Another major focus of research the group is investigating is the application of strategies from physical and synthetic organic chemistry in the design of new porous materials for which synthesis remains a barrier to their application in areas such as chemical separations, gas storage, organic electronics, and catalysis.