R E S E A R C H
Machine Learning for Transition Metal Chemistry and Catalysis
Machine learning (ML) is becoming a powerful tool in chemistry, though its use is often challenged by the lack of big experimental data. This problem can be tackled by using computational data, following the quantum-based ML approach. We started this new research line in 2018, focusing on the prediction of oxidative addition barriers in the chemical space surrounding Vaska's complex. More recently, we published a large dataset with transition metal Quantum Mechanics properties for 86k complexes and a method for the automated optimization of transition states. Our long-term goal is to maximize the accuracy, transferability, and explainability of ML models in the metal-organic chemical space.
Single-Site Catalysis
Homogeneous catalysts can be designed to be highly active and selective but suffer from robustness and recyclability. Single-site catalysis has the potential to overcome these limitations by offering the advantages of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. We are applying DFT methods for (1) spectroscopy simulations enabling the characterization of the active sites, (2) reaction mechanism determination, including confinement effects, and (3) designing multifunctional catalysts based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) activating inert substrates like methane in highly selective processes.
Catalytic CO2 Reduction
The conversion of CO2 to fuels by means of renewable energies involves catalysts that require further optimization for their large-scale implementation. We are using DFT methods and microkinetic models to gain quantitative insight into the mechanism of these reactions and the steps governing catalytic activity and selectivity. Further, we aim at designing catalysts able to perform multiple steps in an energy-efficient manner. We are interested in both homogeneous and single-site heterogeneous catalysts working under thermal and electrochemical conditions.
Computational NMR Spectroscopy of Catalytic Systems
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique to elucidate the structure of transition-metal complexes. Notably, the chemical shift also provides valuable insights into the electronic structure of these complexes, serving as a versatile descriptor of reactivity. Our research is focused on the modeling of NMR properties in organometallic compounds and materials relevant to catalysis. We employ robust computational protocols that incorporate environmental and relativistic effects for an accurate description of the spectra. By combining simulations with experimental data, we aim to i) unravel the structure of complex catalytic systems and ii) analyze the chemical shift tensor in terms of natural orbitals to gain a deep understanding of the NMR signatures.