The Gordon Lab is a synthetic inorganic group at Northwestern University that aims to leverage coordination chemistry and physical inorganic principles to develop more efficient, selective, and sustainable processes in emerging areas of energy catalysis and organic synthesis. We will precisely design the primary and secondary coordination environments of transition metal complexes to control reaction trajectories and unlock new modes of reactivity, while emphasizing spectroscopic methods and mechanistic studies. Students will be trained to become thorough and independent scientists with expertise in organic and inorganic synthesis, catalysis, photochemistry, electrochemistry, and spectroscopic methods.
Molecular Chemistry for Sustainable Catalysis
Energy Storage & Conversion
Our research explores how fundamental concepts in inorganic chemistry can unlock new strategies for energy storage and conversion. Our focus lies in leveraging bond activation and electron transfer processes to interconvert chemical and electrochemical energy. One area of particular interest is in nitrogen-based fuels, where we investigate how reactive intermediates can be harnessed for both energy applications and broader chemical synthesis.
Transition Metal Catalysis
We are interested in developing transition metal catalysts to promote kinetically challenging bond rearrangements relevant to synthesis. By combining mechanistic studies with tools like electrochemistry and photochemistry, we aim to access and control reactive intermediates. To support these efforts, we employ a wide range of spectroscopic techniques, both in-house and through collaborations, to characterize key intermediates and gain insight into catalytic mechanisms.
Electronic Structure
At the core of our research is the design of inorganic complexes with unusual electronic structures that enable new modes of reactivity. These systems underpin our efforts in catalysis and energy conversion, supporting transformations that are otherwise kinetically challenging. Our work includes the development of novel chromophores and redox-active catalysts relevant to energy storage, bioinorganic chemistry, and organic synthesis.